Create online tests and exams

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Create online tests and exams

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

1. Use alternative assessments

When developing your assessment plan, consider your course learning outcomes and identify different ways these outcomes can be assessed, both formatively and summatively. Can you replace traditional final exams or midterms with a take-home exam, an open book test, a summative project, or scaffolded assignments?

Tools

Resources

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.

2. Use eClass for creating tests and exams

eClass offers a range of options for creating tests and quizzes. You can create quizzes in multiple formats, have multiple graders for the same test, or create and manage proctored exams among many other choices.

Tools

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

Resources

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.

3. Prepare students for online testing

Consider how you will communicate test and exam instructions, expectations and guidelines to students. What do students need to know well before the test, during the test, and after the test?

Tools

Resources

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.
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