Traditional Assessments

Advantages

Very reliable

Efficient

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These assessments work well when an instructor needs to score them in a realitvely short amount of time. Example: when grading final exams and reporting term grades.

Can be scored by machines

Scantron

Online Grading Systems via course management systems

Works well for information that requires memorization or recalling of facts

Allows for quick feedback of results to students

Examples

Multiple Choice Tests

Essay

Short Answer

True/False

Integrating in Distance Learning

Give date and time of exam when all students must take the test

May include a testing window

Use Test function in Learning Management System

Use Respondus LockDown Browser

Essay tests available all term but the finished product must be turned in by specific due date and time.

Use Learning Managment System

Digital Drop Box

Use email via attachments

Disadvantages

Uses lower level cognitive skills

Students do not recieve descriptive feedback

Generally does not inform instructional practice

Difficult to guage what the students know versus what they just guessed on.

Minimal applicaiton to real life situations

Records knowledge or performance of the student on that particular day.

Modifying for Distance Learning

Tests are accessed online rather than in a face to face classroom

Blackboard

WebCT

Second Life

Open Book

Some instructors assume that students will use the book during tests. Therfore, they may make the test more difficult than in a face-to-face class.

Proctored Exams

Must gain approval of proctor before taking exams

Ensures that the student did not cheat