Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/performance-assessment

Introduction

### Course Review: Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom In today's increasingly digital education landscape, understanding how to effectively assess student performance in a virtual classroom is crucial for educators, administrators, and policymakers. Coursera’s course, **Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom**, provides comprehensive insights and practical strategies for achieving this goal. Whether you are a seasoned teacher, a school administrator, or someone interested in educational technology, this course is a valuable resource that tackles a critical aspect of online education. #### Overview **Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom** is designed to equip educators with the tools needed to evaluate student performance meaningfully in a virtual environment. The course explores various topics, including compliance issues, feedback models, online grading systems, and data analysis, thereby offering a broad yet detailed perspective on performance assessment. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown **Module 1: Foundations of Performance Assessment** The course begins by emphasizing the importance of performance evaluation in online settings. It covers authentic assessment and the necessity of utilizing multiple measures to gauge student understanding. Key areas include compliance with regulatory requirements and preparing students for challenges such as high-stakes testing. This foundational module sets the tone for the rest of the course, highlighting the increasing demand for rigorous online programs. **Module 2: Academic Integrity and Performance** This module tackles a pressing concern in virtual education: academic integrity. It examines the balance between "seat time" and actual performance mastery, discussing how technology can assist educators in maintaining integrity in assessments. Educators will benefit from insights on guiding students to use online resources responsibly, a critical skill in the digital age. **Module 3: Data Management in Assessment** Data is at the heart of effective assessment, and Module 3 delves into data management related to performance metrics. The course helps educators analyze how various elements, such as assignment types and grading weights, influence overall grading. Utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) becomes fundamental here, as it allows educators and students to monitor progress and strategize effectively. **Module 4: Tailoring Assessments for Diverse Learners** Understanding the diverse needs of students is crucial, especially in a virtual space. This module focuses on how to accommodate special populations like gifted students and those with special needs. It discusses how to implement necessary accommodations in online platforms, reinforcing the idea that every student deserves tailored support. **Module 5: The Role of Feedback in Online Performance** Lastly, the course culminates in exploring the significance of instructional feedback. This module highlights how timely, constructive feedback shapes student performance and outlines various tools that can be used to monitor student progress. This is particularly important, as feedback in a virtual classroom can often be lost in translation compared to in-person interactions. #### Recommendation **Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom** is highly recommended for any educator or administrator involved in online instruction. The course provides practical frameworks, actionable insights, and a comprehensive overview of assessment strategies in virtual settings. Its modular format allows participants to digest the information in manageable sections while applying learned principles to their specific educational contexts. For those looking to adapt to the demands of modern education or enhance their skills in online performance assessment, this Coursera offering is an excellent choice. Enroll now to build a solid foundation in assessing student learning and ensuring accountability in virtual classrooms!

Syllabus

Module 1

Welcome to Module 1 of Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom. This module introduces the importance of testing and performance in the virtual classroom and discusses authentic assessment and the value of including multiple measures of assessment within a course. Additional topics include considerations for compliance, auditing, accreditation, and funding, and the preparation of students for high stakes testing, AP course requirements, NCAA requirements, and university admission requirements. Although the reasons why K-12 students take online courses can vary, both parents and students are increasingly seeking courses that are university-approved and are sufficiently rigorous to prepare students for high-stakes testing.

Welcome to Module 2 of Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom. This module introduces performance assessment in the virtual setting and discusses the dichotomy between seat time and performance (or subject matter mastery) as the basis for passing a course. In addition, we’ll take a look at academic integrity in the virtual classroom and explore how teachers can effectively guide students in using the many resources that are available online. Finally, we’ll examine several technological advances that can help preserve academic integrity. Ultimately, teachers need to use all means at their disposal to monitor academic integrity in the virtual environment.

Welcome to Module 3 of Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom. In this module, we will look at performance and assessment as related to data and data management and explore how the weights, percentages, and number of course assignments affect the total grade outcome of any course. Additionally, we will discuss why the assignments score and weight are just as important as the types of assignments given, the reasonableness of course assessments, and the overall gradebook practices. By using a learning management system (LMS), students can see the layout of their virtual courses throughout the semester in order to analyze the number of assignments given, find out how assignments are weighted, and decide where they should direct their attention and effort in order to succeed.

Welcome to Module 4 of Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom. In this module, we will look at performance and assessment as related to three special student populations, e.g., gifted students, at-risk students, and special needs students, and the considerations for how to administer alternate assessments and accommodations in the virtual environment. We will also look at the choice of a learning management system (LMS), and how it plays a major role in how accommodations will be provided.

Welcome to Module 5 of Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom. In this module, we will discuss the importance of instructional feedback and how it affects a student's performance in the online setting. We will also determine which instructional feedback tools are appropriate for monitoring and assessing student performance.