Approaches to assessment of online learning: conceptual challenges

Methods of assessment used to evaluate learning within traditional classrooms do not transfer well to online environments, especially those with a social constructivist approach to instruction. Furthermore, very few guidelines have been provided by researchers to instructors regarding valid assessment procedures in the online milieu. This situation calls for the development of new forms of assessment that reflect the instructional strategies and objectives found in these new learning environments. This paper describes the features unique to online instruction and identifies several promising approaches that may provide meaningful assessment. It is concluded that instructional designers and instructors should not underestimate the role of assessment in online learning environments.