Assessments are most effective when they align with learning outcomes and allow students to demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways.

Key practices

• Begin each module with clear outcomes that indicate the essential knowledge and skills
• Use a combination of low stakes and higher stakes assessments to monitor progress
• Provide instructions and examples that are easy to understand
• Offer flexible submission formats such as written responses, short videos, or uploaded handwritten work
• Use rubrics to communicate expectations and ensure consistency
• Ensure that materials and instructions meet accessibility guidelines

Low stakes strategies

• Weekly knowledge checks
• Short reflections on key ideas
• Small group or partner summaries
• Short applied tasks that focus on reasoning

Higher stakes strategies

• Case studies or scenario-based assignments
• Presentations or demonstrations
• Projects that integrate content from multiple modules
• Exams that track progress throughout the course

Strong test questions measure understanding, maintain clarity, and guide students to apply course concepts.

Suggestions

• Use learning outcomes and objectives to determine the types of questions you create
• Include items that ask students to analyze, interpret, or explain their reasoning
• Build question pools or randomized sets to promote variation
• Provide opportunities for students to show their steps or reasoning through uploaded work
• Keep wording direct and free from unnecessary complexity

Peer and self-review give students valuable opportunities to reflect, exchange ideas, and strengthen understanding.

Benefits

• Supports more frequent and timely feedback
• Helps students evaluate their own work more effectively
• Encourages meaningful interaction that supports a sense of connection

Recommendations

• Use small groups for review activities
• Provide rubrics and sample responses
• Use peer review tools when available
• Offer guidance on providing constructive feedback

Online exams can work effectively when instructions, timing, and expectations are clearly communicated.

Traditional Exams in Blackboard

Blackboard supports multiple question types, timers, availability settings, and automated grading. These features help promote consistency and alignment with stated outcomes. Clearly communicate exam settings such as time limits, number of attempts, and whether students can return to previous questions so students understand expectations before they begin.

Proctored Exams

Some courses may require proctored online exams. These require carefully prepared instructions and clear communication to support student readiness and technological needs.

Considerations

• Students may feel increased pressure in monitored settings
• Technology access and privacy concerns should be addressed
• Automated flags may require instructor review
• Clear preparation steps benefit both students and instructors

If using proctoring

• Provide a practice test to confirm equipment and software
• Share guidance for creating an appropriate testing environment
• Explain the steps students should take if technical issues occur

Many online courses benefit from assessment formats that measure understanding without relying on live proctoring. These options create meaningful demonstrations of learning and reduce pressure associated with high stakes timed testing.

Examples

• Frequent quizzes that reinforce learning
• Assessments that allow students to apply concepts using course materials and online resources
• Projects, presentations, and infographics
• Annotated bibliographies or research briefs
• Peer review or reflective assignments
• Case studies or scenario-based tasks
• Recorded explanations of problem solving or concept application
• Concept maps or visual summaries created with online tools
• Real-world application tasks such as proposals, critiques, or short project plans
• Curated collections of work across the term that show growth in understanding

Thoughtful planning supports timely feedback and a positive student learning experience.

Suggestions

• Break larger assignments into smaller steps so feedback can be offered throughout
• Share rubrics before students begin working
• Keep assessment due dates predictable across the term to support student planning and reduce confusion
• Incorporate self and peer review to expand feedback opportunities
• Provide feedback to the entire class that summarizes shared strengths and patterns that need attention
• Provide feedback that helps students understand what they are doing well and what they should focus on next
• Use built-in annotation tools for efficient commenting
• Communicate expected feedback timelines so students know when to look for responses

Academic Integrity

• Clarify expectations for collaboration and citation
• Use task types that emphasize reasoning
• Provide models or examples of academic honesty
• If AI tools are permitted, provide a short example of appropriate and inappropriate use so students understand how to engage with AI responsibly and maintain academic integrity

Communication and Presence

• Post reminders about upcoming assessments
• Introduce major assignments through recorded explanations or announcements
• Maintain a consistent schedule for due dates and feedback

Accessibility and Support

• Ensure materials are compatible with assistive technologies
• Offer sample materials that demonstrate accessible design, such as captioned media or documents with proper structure
• Offer accommodations when needed

Continuous Improvement

• Review quiz and assignment data to identify questions that may need revision for clarity or alignment
• Review student performance trends to refine assessments
• Gather feedback from students to identify areas for improvement
• Adjust instructions, question clarity, or timing based on observed patterns