Online assessment
Online assessment takes the form of computer-based assessments and exercises, electronic presentations using CDs or Web resources, or OMR (optical mark reading) assessments. In some circumstances an alternative to online assessment may be required, if an acceptable method of assessing the learning outcome can be designed.
Students may find that online assessment reduces anxiety, particularly if it can be taken at home and in their own time. However, online assessment may be delivered under examination conditions. Many of the adjustments for online assessment are similar to those of a written assessment.
You may want to consider some of these suggestions and adjustments to online assessment.
- If the student is anxious about using a computer in an assessment situation then an alternative paper version may be given.
- Assistive software must be compatible with the online learning environment.
- Videos or audio clips must have subtitles or transcripts.
- If audible alerts are used to inform the student that they have made a mistake or performed an ‘illegal’ operation, then visual alternatives must be provided for deaf students.
- Where an online assessment is time-constrained, make sure that the student can access their extra time.
- Computer-based assessments may need to be keyboard accessible, as use of the mouse may not be possible.
- OMR assessments could be a cause of anxiety because of the need for the marks to be placed very exactly. Students should be allowed to practise, or have someone to scribe for them (a separate room would then be required).
- Consider arranging a trial run so a student can become familiar with using assistive technologies to access the online assessment. If the online assessment is not accessible by students using access technology, an alternative will have to be provided.