tom abeles (tabeles@tmn.com)
Wed, 04 Nov 1998 09:10:21 -0600
Date: Wed, 04 Nov 1998 09:10:21 -0600 From: tom abeles <tabeles@tmn.com> Subject: Re: [ifets] assessment in distance learning
Alfred Bork wrote:
>
> Several recent articles have raised the question of assessment in
> distance learning, worrying about the problem of cheating....
> For newly developed computer-based courses, there is a future approach
> which seems very promising, combining learning and assessment in an
> intimate blend, so the student has no impression of ever taking a
> 'test' or doing an assignment.
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This raises the real questions:
1) why do we really care about testing in the first place? it doesn't
seem as straight forward as it used to be since so many persons who have
been tested in universities and have degrees are showing up with less
than anticipated competence in the work place
2) what does an instructor want when they test and what does the student
and university want and are they the same thing?
In several institutions the testing is separated from the learning
experience which changes the nature of the game and maybe needs
revisiting, particularly in the US regardless of whether it is distance
or not
In some k-12 schools, students must demonstrate comeptency by being able
to apply the knowledge regardless of discipline from humanities to
sciences- this is another option
POerhaps the issue is not cheating but a reconsderation of the learning
experience within the context of the larger society?
cheers
tom
abeles
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