Assessment Strategies for the On-line Class from Theory to Practice: (No. 91 New Directions for Teaching & Learning S.)

This book addresses the kinds of questions that instructors need to ask themselves as they begin to move at least part of their students work to an on line format. The chapters present: an initial overview of the need for evaluating students on line work with the same care that instructors give to the students work in hard copy format; what an instructor needs to know about the technology, a discussion of alternative instructional formats such as group work and fieldwork; as well as participation in chatrooms and threaded discussions. Two chapters address curricular issues and the value of on line learning as a supplement to more traditional instructional formats. The issues explored here will help guide instructors who are considering using on line learning in conjunction with their regular classes, as well as those interested in going totally on line. This is the 91st volume in the "Jossey Bass" quarterly series "New Directions for Teaching and Learning".

Table of Contents:
EDITORS' NOTES (Rebecca S. Anderson, John F. Bauer, Bruce W. Speck).1. Learning-Teaching-Assessment Paradigms and the On-Line Classroom (Bruce W. Speck):Professors need to engage in rigorous design and assessment of on-linelearning just as they would in face-to-face and printed materials,grounding their decisions in solid pedagogical theory and practice.2. What Professors Need to Know About Technology to Assess On-Line Student Learning (Marshall G. Jones, Stephen W. Harmon):There is much movement in the direction of on-line learning, but it isimportant to consider the nature of on-line courses and the extent towhich that nature determines what is done by instructors and students.3. Assessing Student Work from Chatrooms and Bulletin Boards (John F. Bauer):An advantage of on-line learning is that it can provide a permanentrecord of student participation in discussions. The question addressedin this chapter is how to assess that participation fairly and objectively.4. Assessing Students' Written Projects (Robert Gray):Because so much of student work on-line is done in written format, itis important for instructors to know how to evaluate writing and howto take advantage of the technology to do it.5. Group Assessment in the On-Line Learning Environment (John A. Nicolay):Just as group work is becoming more and more prevalent in collegeclassrooms, it is also a growing part of on-line learning. This chapterprovides five principles for assessing group work on-line.6. Assessing Field Experiences (Jane B. Puckett, Rebecca S. Anderson):In professional preparation programs that feature a great deal of fieldwork,can on-line formats be used to monitor and assess student work?7. Enhancing On-Line Learning for Individuals with Disabilities (James M. Brown):One of the advantages of on-line instruction is that it provides accessfor students who would not normally be able to participate in manycourse activities. This chapter provides guidelines on how to takeadvantage of this feature.8. Assessing E-Folios in the On-Line Class (Mark Canada):On-line instruction provides an excellent opportunity for students tocreate and publish on-line portfolios of their work. This method ofassessment is just beginning to make inroads into the on-line environment.9. Preparing Students for Assessment in the On-Line Class (Michele L. Ford):Just as instructors are adapting to new technologies, students mustadjust their thinking about teaching and learning. This chapter providessuggestions about how to help students make the transition to on-lineassessment.10. Assessing the On-Line Degree Program (Joe Law, Lory Hawkes, Christina Murphy):As more programs are offered on-line, it is important that institutionsmaintain the quality of those offerings. This chapter describes guidelinesfor assessing the integrity and quality of such degrees.11. Assessing the Usability of On-Line Instructional Materials (Brad Mehlenbacher):In addition to the quality of the content and instructional method, anumber of other considerations are useful in assessing whether on-linematerials will be effective. This chapter covers a wide range of criteriafor instructor use in this task.12. Epilogue: A Cautionary Note About On-Line Assessment (Richard Thomas Bothel):Not all instructors are enthusiastic about the movement toward on-linelearning. This chapter raises some concerns that should be addressednow.INDEX.