A Novelty in the Modes of Assessment in Open and Distance Learning Education: A Review

A critical element of teaching is the evaluation of student learning. In evaluating student learning in online settings, unique challenges arise. The previous study explored the types of evaluation approaches used in online learning and the ways in which adequate e-learning is enabled by the online environment. In order to discover the types of approaches used to measure student learning and contribute to the overall course score, syllabi from 24 online courses were analyzed. Five categories emerged: (1) written assignments; (2) online discussion; (3) fieldwork; (4) quizzes/test and exams; and (5) presentations. The findings showed that written assignment mode of assessment appeared the most frequently used (22 of the 24 courses), followed by online discussion (19 out of 24 courses), filed work (9 out of 24 courses), test/quiz and exam (8 out of 24 courses) and presentations which accounted for (5 out of 24 courses). New modes of online assessment discovered for improvement of online education are artificial intelligence, simulation, animations, portfolio, case studies, flash cards, games, and matching