How to Evaluate Online Learning
The Internet allows people to pay bills, communicate with others and work all without ever leaving their homes. Recently there has been a movement toward transferring education to cyberspace as well. Online learning allows those with children or full time work to attain an education with ease. However, because there is rarely any face to face instruction, evaluating online learning can be difficult.
- Post reading quizzes frequently that require students to read the textbook. Because there isn’t a lecture component to most online classes, the textbook should be referenced more frequently as a supplementary tool. Reading quizzes will ensure that students are studying with the text.
- Assign a research paper if appropriate for the class. A research paper will require students to dig deeper into material, using what they have learned from the online class as a base to find other information.
- Start a message board by posting questions about class material and require students to do the same. Answers can be generated among the group to ensure that everyone has an understanding of the classwork. If someone is not grasping the material, they can ask for help by posting questions on the message board.
- Create an exam to assess learning. The exam should be more difficult than one that would be given in a lecture type class because there is no way to make sure that students will not use their notes or texts on the exam. The exam can also have a time limit to ensure that students study or at least have their materials well organized and know where to locate the correct information.
- Use video-chatting to visit with students in real time. This will allow the instructor to speak directly with students rather than using email or message boards. The real time communication can enable a professor to identify if the student has a firm grasp on class material.
- Utilize a wide variety of assessment tools to evaluate online learning. Because students who participate in online courses often learn differently than those who attend a lecture style class, it is important that they are given many ways to show that they are receiving an education from the class.