Best Practices in the Assessment of Online Discussions

Abstract

This chapter develops the rationale for several best practices in the assessment of online discussions. It provides instructors with an introduction to the differences between face-to-face and online discussions, how to evaluate online discussions, how to perform these assessments, and how to use assessment information to improve future online discussions. These best practices are intended to be an initial guide to the novice online instructor. The increasing use of online discussions in both traditional and distance classes will likely generate new forms of assessment, new rubrics, and new insights, and the instructor will need to stay informed of these developments.