Assessment and Proctoring
There are a number of assessment options available for the various course modalities, whether they are face-to-face, online, remote, blended or hybrid. The following resources provide information about some of these options including testing within Moodle, alternative assessments, and proctored testing.
Testing within Moodle
Exams can be administered online in the LMS. There are settings in Moodle quizzes that increase exam security and reduce cheating.
Exam timing
- Timed exams: Use a time limit to restrict the amount of time a student has to complete the exam.
- Simultaneous administration: Distribute the exam at the same time for all of the students.
Shuffle questions and choices
Use the shuffle feature to randomize the order that the questions appear for each student. If using multiple-choice questions, shuffle the order that the choices appear in.
Random from question banks
Create a larger pool of questions and automatically pull a smaller, random subset of questions into the exam. Pulling random questions from the question bank will create a different version of the exam for each student.
For detailed information about exam/quiz settings in Moodle, see the Quiz module in Moodle Basics for Faculty.
For suggestions on test preparation, see Online Test Tips.
Alternative Assessments
Alternative assessment, also known as authentic assessment, is a more holistic assessment than traditional assessments such as quizzes, tests, and exams. It measures applied proficiency more than knowledge to determine what students can do (or cannot do) rather than what they do or do not know. They are “designed so that the content of the assessment matches the content of the instruction” (Edutopia).
Why Use Alternative Assessments?
- Tests and quizzes (especially those with objective questions) often assess lower level learning such as knowledge and comprehension on Bloom’s taxonomy. Alternative assessment can reach those higher levels such as application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
- Test questions, particularly from publisher test banks, can misalign with learning outcomes if not carefully curated.
- Overuse of high-stakes testing can promote cheating. Alternative assessments can require more original and authentic performance with less chance of cheating.
- Alternative assessments provide more variety!
- Think of your own most meaningful, valuable, and memorable learning experience. Was the experience engaging and the effect long-lasting? Was it an exam? Probably not.
What Makes an Assessment Alternative?
- Authentic: can relate to real-life application or experience
- Embeds experiences into assignment
- Diagnostic feedback and practice opportunities
- Includes a reflective component
- Often stimulates creativity and innovation
- Produces a product (deliverable) or performance to be assessed
- Includes judgment or evaluation
Examples and implementation of Alternative Assessments.
Proctoring
Proctored exams observe and monitor the test taker, either in person, remotely, or via computer software. There are several proctoring options available:
Zoom
Overview
Read about Zoom proctoring options.
Pros
- Host individual breakout rooms for one session
- Instructor controls security settings
- FERPA/HIPAA compliant
- Familiar platform for instructors and participants
Cons
- 50 Breakout rooms limit
- Cannot record all breakout sessions
- Host is responsible for facilitating
- May need more than one person to facilitate proctored sessions
Proctorio
Overview
Proctorio was a one-year pilot program and is now no longer available.
Live Proctor
Overview
Live proctoring can be arranged with students and the departments/ instructors.
Pros
- Controlled environment
- Improved academic integrity
Cons
- Requires physical facility, identifying and scheduling proctor
- Time intensive
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Limited classroom capacity due to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines.
