How do you assess and evaluate distance learning performance and progress on mobile devices?

1 Mobile assessment and evaluation

Mobile assessment and evaluation refers to the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, to collect, analyze, and provide feedback on learners' achievements, competencies, and learning outcomes. Mobile assessment and evaluation can take various forms, such as quizzes, surveys, portfolios, self-assessments, peer assessments, or gamified tasks. Mobile assessment and evaluation can enhance distance learning by providing immediate, personalized, and contextual feedback, as well as by promoting learner engagement, motivation, and autonomy.

2 Pedagogical principles

In order to design and implement effective mobile assessment and evaluation in distance learning, it is essential to adhere to pedagogical principles that are in line with the goals, content, and context of the learning experience. These principles include aligning the assessment and evaluation with the learning objectives and outcomes, selecting the appropriate type and level of assessment and evaluation based on the purpose, scope, and complexity of the learning task, providing multiple and varied opportunities for assessment and evaluation using different modes, formats, and tools, ensuring the validity, reliability, and fairness of the assessment and evaluation by avoiding bias, plagiarism, and cheating, as well as supporting learners with timely, constructive, and actionable feedback while encouraging them to reflect on their own learning process and progress.

3 Mobile assessment and evaluation tools

When it comes to mobile assessment and evaluation in distance learning, instructors and learners have a variety of tools and platforms to choose from. Learning management systems, such as Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard, offer features for creating and managing online quizzes, assignments, grades, and feedback. Quiz makers, like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Socrative, allow creating and delivering interactive quizzes, polls, or tests. Survey tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform let you create and conduct online surveys, questionnaires, or forms. Online portfolio tools like Seesaw, Mahara, or Google Sites can be used to create and showcase digital portfolios of learners' work. And Peergrade, PeerMark, or PeerScholar are online peer assessment tools that enable learners to review and provide feedback on each other's work.

4 Mobile assessment and evaluation challenges

Despite the advantages of mobile assessment and evaluation in distance learning, there are also some obstacles to be addressed. Technical issues, such as connectivity, compatibility, security, or battery life, can hinder the use of mobile devices and tools. Pedagogical problems, such as alignment, validity, reliability, or fairness, can reduce the quality and credibility of mobile assessment and evaluation. Ethical issues, such as privacy, consent, or data protection, can compromise the rights and responsibilities of instructors and learners. Cultural issues, such as diversity, inclusion, or equity, can affect the relevance and responsiveness of mobile assessment and evaluation.

5 Mobile assessment and evaluation best practices

To maximize the potential of mobile assessment and evaluation in distance learning, it is important to plan ahead and test the mobile devices and tools before use. Learners should also be kept informed about the expectations, criteria, and procedures of the assessment and evaluation. Clear instructions and guidance for using the mobile devices and tools should be provided, as well as technical and pedagogical support for troubleshooting. Additionally, collaboration and interaction among the learners should be encouraged during the assessment and evaluation process. Finally, the effectiveness and impact of the mobile assessment and evaluation on learning outcomes and experience should be monitored and evaluated.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?