Assessment is an important part of eLearning as it allows us to discover if learners have retained knowledge. From questions to short answer responses to scored scenarios and case studies, there are many ways you can assess performance. This blog explores eLearning assessment – why do it, the best approaches, and top tips.
Why assess?
Firstly, it’s important to understand why you are assessing.
Here are a few good reasons:
- It’s part of a qualification program
- You must prove to external bodies that all your learners have completed and reached a minimum level of knowledge (e.g. compliance training).
- It’s part of an overall blended approach, and you only want learners who have reached a certain level going on to the next stage (which could be a workshop for example).
- Allows learners to gauge progress toward their goals.
- Emphasises what’s important and thereby motivates learners to focus on it.
- Allows learners to apply what they’ve been learning.
And here are some reasons not to test (bad reasons):
- Fulfill the stereotype that all eLearning courses have tests – there is no reason to add a test if your module is an information piece.
- Artificially bolster learner’s self-esteem by giving easy tests with gushingly positive feedback
- The opposite of the above – reduce learner’s self-esteem and confidence by making the test unnecessarily difficult
- You can’t think of any other way to add interactivity
Developing your assessment strategy
Now that you’ve clarified why you’re assessing, it’s time to focus on your assessment strategy. Start by answering these key questions to either develop a new strategy or refine your current approach:
- What are your current assessment practices? Do you rely on a final quiz, or do you assess throughout?
- If you’ve already been assessing, what has worked well and what hasn’t?
- What instructions will accompany the assessment?
- What types of questions will the assessment include?
- How will you value each question?
- What feedback will learners receive?
- What evidence will learners need to provide?
- What timelines will be required for the assessment?
Top tips for assessment in eLearning
First and foremost, always inform learners that they’re about to take a formal assessment, and explain what will be done with their responses, such as whether their scores will be recorded.
Keep the assessment concise—no more than 15% of the total module time. More than a dozen questions can test most learners’ patience.
If you’re assessing understanding, consider using varied methods beyond traditional questions. Short-answer interactions, essay responses, branched scenarios with points awarded based on the chosen path, or reflective learning journals are excellent alternatives. Although these methods may take longer to develop, they offer better opportunities for deep learning. Some assessments might even require support from a coach or mentor, which can be an effective way to incorporate a blended learning approach.
Regardless of the assessment format, ensure it aligns with your learning objectives. After all, these objectives are the foundation of your module.
Finally, avoid introducing new content during the assessment and refrain from assessing content that wasn’t covered in the module.
For further reading, check out these resources:
Tips for Effective Questions
Different ways to assess learners online
Want to know how to craft the perfect eLearning assessment?
As the Certified Articulate Training Partner for Australia and New Zealand, we offer comprehensive Articulate training courses that equip you with the skills to design and develop assessments that truly measure learner understanding.
Our practical sessions cover everything from aligning quizzes with learning objectives to using advanced features in Articulate Storyline to create interactive assessments. Find out more about our coming training courses and register now.