Managing an online course using a course management system can be a daunting task for teachers. One area of concern for teachers is how to handle online tests and other assessments. Teachers using a course management system for assessments have several options and this article will cover tips and suggestions for making an online assessment go smoothly.

Have Clearly Written Instructions for Online Tests and Assessments

When a teacher develops an online test in a course management system, they need to be sure they have provided clear instructions. Students need to know when the test will take place and how long they will have to take the test. If the online assessment has a firm deadline penalties for not meeting that deadline need to be expressed to the students.

Teachers need to inform students as to the format of the test. It is important that online students know whether the test will be multiple choice, short answer, or essay as this helps them better prepare.

Teachers also need to let online students know what materials they can use for the online test. This could include their textbook, notes, formulas or whatever materials they might need to refer to for the online test.

Students Need Timely and Meaningful Feedback in Online Assessments

For a teacher using a course management system there are many ways to provide feedback. Most course management systems have methods built into their systems that allows online assessments to be automatically graded. Those grades distributed to the online students as soon as student complete their test. This sort of prompt feedback loop is important to the online learning process.

The most easily given feedback is simply providing a grade, but students want, and expect, so much more. Providing meaningful feedback in an online course is crucial for online students. Online teachers need to go the extra mile and provide individual comments for students on online assessments. This feedback could take the place through methods provided in the course management system or through email. Most course management systems also have the ability to provide question-by-question feedback. Teachers should use this feature to re-direct students to areas of content they missed on the online test.

With a mastery-based assignment students will need to be able to re-submit their projects several times. Prompt and detailed feedback will help students meet the demands of a mastery-based assignments.

Teachers also need to find ways to accommodate students with disabilities when they take online tests. This could mean providing the online assessment through a certified testing center with a qualified assistance available for these students.