Assessment is as Assessment Does: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Online Assessment and Measurement

Abstract

With the increasing adoption of advanced education technologies, such as Internet-based communications, there are greater demands for more effective, flexible, interactive, customized and just-in-time online instructional and assessment systems. As institutions rush to digitize, virtualize and globalize their campuses, there remains the significant issue of the ability to measure outcomes as a means of determining the credibility of technology-mediated learning experiences. This chapter addresses selected concerns including the distinction between online assessment and traditional assessment; the relevance of authentic and alternative assessment; the practical considerations relating to security, integrity, validity, and reliability of assessment; emerging principles of good practice relating to quality indicators, benchmarks and criteria for effective online assessment; and the relative significance of online assessment trens to various drivers and stakeholders.