Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
Transforming the Learning Environment
April 4-6, 2004
|
C. Michael (Mike) Drummond, Ph. D. Track 2 - Promoting Transformation in the Learning Environment |
Abstract
This presentation will focus on a study which analyzed assessment methodologies
currently in use in post-secondary education in an online teaching and learning
environment. The findings of the study were used to build an authentic online
assessment model that is effective in measuring learning, engaging the learner,
integrating into the learning process, and promoting further learning.
Description
Development of the Internet and the World Wide Web just a few years ago gave birth to
new learning environments such as electronic distributed education. Neither early
attempts to transfer traditional scientific assessment models to an online learning
environment, nor efforts to transpose more modern alternative or authentic assessment
practices have been highly successful. There remains little evidence that an ideal model
for assessing learners in an online learning environment has emerged, particularly in an
introductory computer science, information technology or similar computer applications
course.
The theoretical basis for the study derives from the current multitude of
challenges to the problem of authentic assessment in online learning environments.
Practice has shown that simply transferring face-to-face classroom assessment tools and
methods to an online environment is inadequate and that such methodologies do not
constitute authentic assessment in the online instructional environment. A close analysis
of methodologies currently in use in online assessment provided the basis for developing
a model for authentic assessment in an online introductory computer science course. In
order to build an authentic assessment model, this study sought to identify assessment
methodologies used in an online learning environment that truly measure learning,
engage the learner, are integrated into the learning process, and promote further learning.