Abstract
Learning in distance education is a continuous process and highly supported by assessment opportunities. Assessment in distance learning is divided into various types together with their corresponding purposes. While formative assessment covers the whole learning process, the summative assessment considers learners' performance at the end of the course. The other categorization is done according to the individual that performed the assessment hence involves the types as self-assessment, peer-assessment, and instructor-led assessment. The recently proposed methods of assessment are named as authentic methods that allow learners to transfer their knowledge to real-world practices. In this chapter, two major purposes have been formed. Initially, existing assessment approaches will be investigated. Then, guides for the implementation of these approaches will be provided in the context of a Distance Education Center at a state university of Turkey.
TopBackground
The purpose of assessment in DL is not just about grading. Instead, the purpose is to provide efficient and effective DL through the implementation of appropriate assessment practices (Conrad & Openo, 2018). Assessment in DL addresses several purposes such as evaluation, feedback, motivation, and learning. While the evaluation provides performance scores, the feedback allows students to learn about their achievement, hence allows them to improve their performance (Marriott & Lau, 2008).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Summative Assessment: A type of assessment that aims to measure the achievement of students, hence presents information about student performance.
Distance Learning Center (DEC): The institution established at a university and is responsible for coordinating and managing distance programs and courses in universities.
Peer-Assessment: The type of assessment, which has formative or summative purposes, and the outcomes of this assessment may include grading and/or feedback of peers.
Self-Assessment: Learners can evaluate their existing knowledge before the class or they can evaluate their level of understanding at the end of the class with the help of self-assessment opportunities.
Assessment: Measurement of student learning and achievement through different methods.
Online Exam: One type of exam, which is employed for the evaluation of learners’ knowledge by the use of computers, mobile phones, or tablets.
Distance Learning: A form of instruction in which learning and teaching are held online by the use of information and communication technologies.
Electronic Portfolio: Digital form of traditional portfolios and involve the learner artifacts developed over a specified time.
Authentic Assessment: Alternative assessment which provides assessment methods appropriate for transferring learners’ gained knowledge and skills to real world practices.
Formative Assessment: A type of assessment, which is applied during the learning process, hence considered the progress of learners and intended to recover their weaknesses.