Assessment of Online Learners: Foundations and Applications for Teacher Education

Assessment of Online Learners provides preservice teachers with essential foundations, insights, and real-world examples for assessing students in today's digitized classrooms. It explores shifts in research and practice, reconceptualization of course content and assessment frameworks, collection of fair and accurate assessment evidence, and pedagogical renewal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The assessment of online learners provides essential foundations, insights, and real-world examples for preservice teachers preparing to assess students in today's digitized classrooms. When aligned with intended curricula and best practices, assessment not only informs but also enhances both instruction and student achievement. However, the recent large-scale adaptation of face-to-face learning to online platforms has yielded new challenges and responsibilities for teachers. This book explores shifts in the research and practice of assessment in online environments, the reconceptualization of course content and assessment frameworks in teacher education, the collection of fair and accurate assessment evidence reflecting students' virtual learning, and more. Drawing from experienced Canadian instructors who overcame the inherent technological obstacles, these chapters showcase how unprecedented changes in schooling can lead to pedagogical renewal, program reevaluation, and a broader understanding of instruction and assessment practices.

Introduction:
The assessment of online learners plays a crucial role in preparing preservice teachers for the digital age. In today's classrooms, technology has become an integral part of learning, and assessment strategies must adapt to this new reality. This book offers valuable insights and practical examples to help preservice teachers develop effective assessment practices that support student learning and achievement.

Shifts in Research and Practice:
The assessment of online learners has undergone significant changes in recent years. Researchers have explored new approaches and tools to measure student learning in online environments, and educators have adopted innovative assessment strategies to meet the unique challenges of online teaching. This book examines these shifts in research and practice, highlighting the importance of using valid and reliable assessment methods that capture the diverse skills and abilities of online learners.

Reconceptualization of Course Content and Assessment Frameworks:
In addition to adapting assessment methods, preservice teachers need to reconceptualize course content and assessment frameworks to align with the principles of online learning. Online courses require a different approach to teaching and learning, and assessment strategies must reflect this. This book explores how course content and assessment frameworks can be redesigned to promote active learning, collaboration, and digital literacy skills.

Collecting Fair and Accurate Assessment Evidence:
Collecting fair and accurate assessment evidence is a challenge in online environments. Preservice teachers need to develop skills in evaluating digital artifacts and assessing student learning in a virtual context. This book provides guidance on how to collect and analyze assessment evidence, including using online tools and platforms to facilitate student participation and collaboration.

Pedagogical Renewal and Program Reevaluation:
The assessment of online learners can lead to pedagogical renewal and program reevaluation. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of online assessment practices, preservice teachers can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to their teaching strategies. This book encourages preservice teachers to reflect on their assessment practices and seek opportunities for professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion:
The assessment of online learners offers essential foundations, insights, and real-world examples for preservice teachers preparing to assess students in today's digitized classrooms. By aligning assessment practices with intended curricula and best practices, preservice teachers can enhance both instruction and student achievement. This book provides valuable guidance on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of online assessment, leading to pedagogical renewal and program reevaluation.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032390123