Assessment
To Begin: E-assessment Dummy Runs
To avoid the hitches and glitches that might technology intro duce and reduce unnecessary delays mid course, introduce a “dummy run” early on in the semester. A dummy run should combine the assessment instruments and the assessment instructions.
Dummy runs offer students three opportunities
- To understand the assessment procedure
- To discover if and how they might access technical support.
- To provide feedback about their experience to the lecturer.
Dummy runs offer the lecturer three opportunities
- To test the link between the markbook and the assessment
- To see if they can accommodate particular student’s special needs
- To rectify problems with sufficient time available in advance
Dummy runs should be done in the initial orientation phase of the course. From past experience, It is recommended that
- A web link to the tool to technical support should be included in the notification, so that students can access instructions on how to use the tools.
- Any work that is submitted (assignments, quiz, report etc) should be submitted from a computer / laptop (and not a mobile phone).
- If videos are included in an assignment, the video must be uploaded to YouTube as Unlisted video, and then students should submit the URL of the video .
The following actions that can assist students to complete assessments (whether on a dummy run or for real) should be re-enforced
- Read the instructions – You will be clear about the the steps to follow when completing the assessment
- Update your diary – You will consult the schedule and know when the assessment is, well ahead of time
- Read the manual – You will be familiar with the assessment tools prior to the assessments
- Be connected – You will have access to stable internet and access to data or free Wi-Fi as a back up
- Be pro-active – You will avoid the last minute rush and submit assessments in due time and not at the last moment.