Academic Technologies offers a number of options for technology-enabled assessment. Use of these assessment tools can be aligned to the Cornell Learning Outcomes.
Collecting Assignments and Projects, Providing Feedback
Many types of student work can be submitted electronically for assessment. Disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills, scientific/quantitative reasoning, information literacy and “process of discovery/creation” can all be assessed. Supporting tools include:
- Blackboard tools, such as the Grade Center and Rubrics; assignment submissions of various file types; discussion boards, journals and blogs
- Turnitin and Grademark grading
- Blog service, with “course blog” options; blogs as websites
- Confluence Wiki
- ePortfolio tools: Mahara(retired 2016) and Digication
Tests and Quizzes
Disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, scientific/quantitative reasoning and information literacy can be assessed. Supporting tools include:
- Blackboard “Test” tool to deliver quizzes online (low stakes only)
- Some computer labs have software to lockdown browsers for testing. If you are interested in using this software, contact labfeedback-l@cornell.edu
Assessing Knowledge
Ideas include “pre” course or class session, start of the semester learning probes, and “just in time” quizzes and pre-class warmups. Supporting tools include:
- Qualtrics online surveys
- Blackboard quiz and survey tools
- iClicker (and other) polling tools
In-class Assessment and Feedback
Polling, peer assessment, and asking ‘good questions’ are some examples. These can assess disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, and scientific/quantitative reasoning. Supporting tools include:
- iClicker (polling)
- Backchannel tools (e.g. Twitter)
- Mobile/web polling tools
Peer Assessment and/or Review
Students assess written work of peers and selves. These can assess disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills, and scientific/quantitative reasoning. Supporting tools include:
- Blackboard’s Self and Peer Assessment tool
- Peermark, Turnitin’s peer review tool
- Other tools supported include blogs and ePortfolios
For additional information about assessment, visit the Center for Teaching Excellence’s Assessment site.
