Evaluate

Validate tasks and processes l Evaluate process l Evaluate tools (i.e., software) l Modify processes

Evaluation, both formal and informal, allows you to learn from and improve on current practice. It enables you to learn from your learners and your experiences and create a better and more flexible learning environment.

1. Validate tasks and processes

The validation process will ensure

• the currency and accuracy of the assessment task with the curriculum
• the needs of the learn group are met
• stakeholders have opportunities to contribute
• consistency of assessment standards

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2. Evaluate the assessment process
   
   

   Feedback from learners and other faculty is critical to improving the scope and quality of the online assessment process. One of the advantages of the online medium is that often tools are available within the learning platform to automate this sort of feedback. You can create online surveys and maybe even release them to learners at a predetermined time.

   Evaluation can be wide ranging and include questions on

• learner's emotional reaction to the online learning platform
• how the online environment affected motivation
• how the medium encouraged problem solving, communication, teamwork
• the adequacy of support arrangements

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3. Evaluate assessment tools
   
   So often the success or failure of the online assessment process will depend on the ease of use of the software and platform which supports it. Therefore, it is important to get feedback. If there are any problems, you may need to provide additional support and training if you cannot change the software of the learning management system you use. Think about gathering feedback on

• access issues
• the ease of use of the online assessment platform
• the amount of electronic information provided to learners on the success of the submission process
• clarity of explanation of online instructions
• the interface design

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4. Modify assessment processes

Now that you have evaluated the whole assessment process you may need to modify the process, the tasks themselves or the online tools used. This may involve time and cost, which should be factored in the original budget for the development cycle.

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Reference: Australian National Training Authority. (2004). Assessing online: the manual. [Electronic version] Retrieved March 10, 2005, from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/assessing/downloads/assessingmanual.doc)