Assessments


Some assignments can be transitioned online without any changes. Most written assignments, and even multiple-choice assessments, can be administered online. If you determine that your typical assessment isn’t easily replicated in an online environment, a simple question to ask yourself is, “Why am I using this assessment?” in order to determine what the assessment achieves when it comes to student learning. This may lead you to consider using a different type of assignment, exam, or project to achieve the same desired learning outcomes.

Some assessments, such as students’ performances, can be challenging to transition online. Depending on the nature of the performance, some performed skills can be learned, practiced, and assessed virtually. In general, you might be able to:

  • Provide a short video on performing the skill and ask students to deconstruct or even analyze the technique, fundamental steps, and theoretical or practical application.
  • Ask your students to video record themselves performing the skill and provide your feedback.
  • Consider if an assessment can be completed synchronously, keeping in mind students’ differing levels of access to a reliable and high-speed internet connections.

Academic Integrity

When teaching and learning moves to an online environment, promoting academic integrity is often a concern. Communicating clear expectations for each assignment, reiterating the importance of engaging in honest and integrity-based behaviours, providing multiple opportunities for students to ask you questions, and creating evaluations that are course-specific and require multiple steps can help support students in adhering to academic integrity.

You can read more about academic integrity considerations in online assessments, as well as the Academic Integrity Toolkit.

Alternative Assessments

When teaching online, in person, or blended, the key goal is to help students get the support they need to meet your most essential learning outcomes. In online environments, you may need to think creatively about how to design assignments measure students’ learning. Read more about alternatives to assessments that are well-suited for online courses.

Quizzes and Exams

There are many considerations when holding a quiz or exam online: Should the exam be open book? Do I need to use online proctoring software? How can I communicate my expectations to students in advance of the test? Read more about online quizzes and exams.

Student Group Work

Just as in an in-person class, you can design activities and assessments that require students to work in groups. Online group assignments allow students to practice virtual team-based work, give and receive peer feedback, and encourage learner-to-learner interaction. Read more about strategies of facilitating group projects online.

Rubrics

One of the ways you can articulate your expectations and determine potential student effort required to complete an assignment is by designing a rubric. These tools can help speed up grading, as well. Read more about rubrics and they can support consistent and efficient evaluation of student work.