Many assessments in face-to-face classes will work online, but in-class assessments, like performances, labs, presentations, and invigilated tests and exams need to be re-considered.

• Use alternative assessments
• Use eClass for creating tests and exams
• Prepare students for online testing

Tools

• Course design template – conversion to remote learning
• eClass Quizzes

Resources

• 35 Alternatives to Traditional Assessment Types
• Assessment Strategy Exchange Event Recording
• Consider students’ level of access to online tests and exams
• Principles and Examples for Shifting Your Teaching and Assessments to a Remote Teaching Environment (McGill University)
• Teaching Commons Webinar: Facilitating an Oral/Practical Exam Using Zoom (Professor Michael Boni)

Best practices

• If you have replaced a traditional test or exam with an alternative assessment, aim for one that is “authentic”, i.e., that asks the student to apply their learning to a scenario that assesses their ability to use knowledge and skills to negotiate a complex task.
• Include questions that require higher-order thinking skills and demonstration of knowledge instead of right/wrong answers.
• Address academic honesty concerns by using eClass Quiz to randomize which questions from your question bank are selected and the order of questions, so that each student gets a “unique” test.

Tools

• eClass Quizzes
• Use Crowdmark in eClass for assessments with multiple questions and multiple graders
• Use Proctortrack for eProctoring of online exams

Resources

• Using Crowdmark for Online Assessments (PDF)
• Suggested Wording for Online Tests and Exams
• Teaching Commons Webinar: Creating Online Multiple Choice Exam with Random Question Pools Using the eClass Quiz Activity (Professor Gordana Colby)
• Teaching Commons Webinar: Going in the Deep-End: Batch-Generating Question Banks for eClass Quizzes (Professor Bernhardt-Walther)

Best practices

• If you have replaced a traditional test or exam with an alternative assessment, consider exploring the other tools available through zoom such as Media collection, workshop, glossary. Learn more here {link to Create Online Assignments section of Going Remote}
• E-proctoring software allows monitoring of students as they write an exam. Although this may seem similar to a face-to-face exam, using online proctored exams presents additional concerns regarding privacy, accessibility, and inclusion. Be informed about the software and understand that some students will face challenges including access to technology, being in a different time zone, and limited availability of appropriate test-taking space.

Tools

• Course Announcements for communicating information about tests and exams with students, including deadlines, reminders, and rubrics
• Upload instructions and guidelines, including rubrics, in eClass Assignments and Crowdmark or alongside Turnitin.

Resources

• York Student Guide to Remote Learning: Online Exams

Best practices

• If you have replaced a traditional test or exam with an alternative assessment, it is useful to let the students know why you have chosen this particular form and what learning outcomes the assessment covers
• Make sure that you provide clear instructions for the online test or the alternative form of assignment. This could also include a rubric or a practice exam.
• Allow students to have low stake practice assignments.
• Familiarize yourself and your students with the testing conditions used in any online tools, including eClass quizzes, Crowdmark, or e-proctoring software. This may inform how you will design your test or exam, and will help students better navigate the process.