Designing Online Assessments

Learning Module: Designing Online Assessments

Format

6 open-access lessons

Time commitment

3 – 4 hours

Pace

Learner-led

Level

Intermediate

Foundations of Online Assessment

The design of assessments within a course can have a significant impact on student learning and engagement. Assessments are primarily developed to demonstrate achievement of course learning outcomes and serve as a motivational factor in driving student decision-making. Creating meaningful online assessments poses distinct challenges for instructors accustomed to teaching in face-to-face contexts. It is possible to develop effective, rigorous online assessments but special attention needs to be given to alignment with learning outcomes, technological limitations and academic integrity.  

You will be able to:

  • Select appropriate assessment strategies that are aligned to the course learning outcomes 

  • Apply practices for communicating expectations around online assessment to students 

  • Explain the differences between alternative forms of online assessment  

  • Gain strategies to mitigate the occurrence of academic misconduct in online courses 

In this module, you will find: 

  • 2 worksheets
  • 5 templates
  • 11 types of assessments
  • Additional reading and resources

 

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Lessons

3D Yellow Laptop

Lesson 1: Principles of online assessment

3D Supplies

Lesson 2: Understanding alignment and assessment

3D Rotary Telephone

Lesson 3: Communicating expectations

Game Console

Lesson 4: Grading and feedback

3D Brain

Lesson 5: Types of assessments

3D Orange Lion

Lesson 6: Academic integrity in online assessments

Authors

Dr. Patti Dyjur, PhD

Academic Lead, Learning Technologies and Instructional Design 

Patrick Kelly

Manager, Learning and Instructional Design

Dr. Sarah Eaton, PhD

Educational Leader in Residence, Academic Integrity 

Dr. Kim Grant, PhD

Educational Development Consultant

Designed and developed by:

Jessica Snow

Communications & Marketing Manager

Alix Redmond

Digital Content Specialist