Authentic Assessment for Online Learning

This course provides an introduction to pedagogical theory, design, and opportunities of authentic assessments, especially in online learning contexts. Participants in the course will acquire knowledge of the competencies and skills needed in the contemporary workplace, focusing on assessment strategies that engage and motivate learners in e-learning environment that promote both academic integrity and deep learning.

This course will cover the fundamentals of creating learner-centered digital assessment through 21st century examples via visual layouts, interactive forum discussions, and online practical exercises. Upon completion of this course, participants will have relevant knowledge and practical strategies to design learner-centered digital assessment focusing on academic integrity, engagement, authenticity, and deep learning in the e-learning environment.

Unit 1: Learning-Centered Design for Authentic Assessment

In unit 1, learners will explore learning-centered design for authentic assessment through a critical overview of:

• Learning-centered approaches to authentic assessment design that demonstrates competencies and skills needed in the contemporary workplace
• Examples of authentic and alternative assessments
• The importance of assessment in learning design

Unit 2: Fostering Academic Integrity in Authentic Assessment

In unit 2, learners will develop a critical overview of:

• How course and assessment design can promote academic integrity
• The importance of learner engagement and motivation in establishing academic integrity
• Design principles and features that support academic integrity

Unit 3: Authentic Assessment and Human Diversity

In unit 3, learners will understand:

• The importance of recognising cultural diversity and inclusion in higher education design for online learning assessment
• The connection between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and authentic assessment

Unit 4: Issues in Authentic Assessment Design

In unit 4, learners will demonstrate:

• Practical, institutional, and technical challenges pertaining to online authentic assessments
• An implementable action plan to create and implement a move towards more authentic online assessments

This course is designed primarily for online instructors in a postsecondary setting who seek to create more authentic and engaging assessments. It may also be useful for educational administrators and digital learning enthusiasts who are interested in building knowledge, competencies and skills that can support teachers in moving towards alternative assessment strategies.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to:

• Apply the 9 Principles of Good Practice for Assessing Student Learning in the context of Authentic Assessment.
• Explain the importance of constructive alignment and assessment in learning design.
• Identify examples of authentic and alternative assessments (e.g., reflections, problem-based assessments, open-book examinations, cooperative exams, presentations, debates, student-led discussions).
• Articulate personal teaching values relating to assessment.
• Recognize the importance of learner engagement and motivation in establishing academic integrity.
• Identify design principles and features that encourage academic integrity (engagement, motivation, flexibility, collaboration, authenticity, etc.).
• Explain how authentic online assessments can respect cultural and human diversity.
• Describe practical, institutional, and technical challenges pertaining to online assessment and academic integrity (e.g., online proctoring, algorithms, surveillance, trust/anxiety, academic concerns).
• Explain the effect of the COVID-19 “pivot” to emergency remote teaching on teaching, learning, and concerns about assessment.

Upon completion, you will receive recognition for your participation through a verified, easily shareable Certificate.

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who complete the following:

• A minimum of 60% on all (4) unit quizzes.
• Completion of the Learning Journal assignment according to required specifications.
• Meaningful participation in a minimum of four (4) activities/forum discussions.

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to participants who complete the following:

• A minimum grade of 60% on all four quizzes.
• Meaningful participation in at least three (3) activities/ forum discussions.