Objectives

• Define, compare and contrast standardized and alternative assessment techniques
• Illustrate the role of formative and summative assessment in an online course and program
• Interpret and practice the use of a wiki as an online assessment tool
• Practice and demonstrate use of an online interview and discussion as informal assessment techniques.

This module reflects a thoughtful and considerate introduction to the topic of assessment. I found the following activities to be engaging:

• Personal reflection - this will be documented in a new blog - E Learning for Educators.
• Online assessment strategies and tools, In particular backward design principles offer a great way to look at online assessment.
• The distinction between measurement, assessment and evaluation was very important for me to read about and grapple with.

Activities

The work in module 1 included a wiki review, readings, personal reflection and a pair-share activity with a classmate. This latter activity was very, very interesting and below find a excerpt from our email exchange.

"With your background in online learning and teaching you know the costs and benefits (see subtle economics at work) of online education. As type A personalities we thrive in the online world. As you have found I am certain, the challenge is to assist those who are deadline junkies or how do not have a formal organization for their learning or lives. Those who live in the chaos of the real world and lack the internal mechanisms to self regulate and schedule often get left behind in online environments . . . unless those online worlds are facebook or second life.

Well, as you can tell, I love to talk so . . . I'll leave you alone.

I think we have "processed" this activity and can move on to the discussion forum.

See you over their with postings on our informal process.

Great to meet you and I actually like this activity - while I am not certain it would work with my online students - freshman and women in college, I do think it has great potential for participants in professional development or graduate programs.

Look forward to working with you in the cyberspace of this class community."

Greg

Readings

1. Alternative assessment paradigm: Changing practices in online learning includes assessment that is integrated into learning through engagement in real life contexts. McLoughlin, C. & Luca, J. (2001). "Assessment methodologies in transition: Changing practices in web-based learning." ASET Conference, July, 2000.



2. Understanding by Design: Read an interview transcript with Grant Wiggins discussing highlights from the Wiggins and McTighe book comparing performance assessment, standardized tests and authentic learning. Grant Wiggins, G., McTighe, J. (2001). Understanding by Design. NY: Prentice Hall Inc.
   
   
   
3. Wikis, Ready or Not: A description of an interactive space where everybody can edit. Lamb, B. (2004). "Wide Open Spaces: Wikis, Ready or Not." EDUCAUSE Review, 39 (5). 36–48.