Abstract:

This increased prevalence of online teaching environments and technology-based applications used in teaching requires educators to take a closer look at what instructional practices, assessment strategies, and grading practices are effective in order to deliver a high-quality educational experience for all students. Hattie (2012) argues that assessment feedback that is oriented toward the teacher can be used to analyze how students are progressing towards desired learning outcomes, can identify gaps in instruction by determining what has been taught well and has not been taught well, and ultimately used to modify instructional practices that lead to improving student learning. At the center of this paper lies a desire to understand more about student learning, motivation, and exploring how learners can self-regulate by taking ownership of their own learning. The author of this paper argues that technology based formative assessments that provide immediate feedback is a strategy that can add value to this quest for understanding.

The presentation will start from addressing the importance of online formative assessment in engaging online learners and promote online learning. Then, a literature review will be presented in two parts. First, a justification of the theoretical framework that supports the current research. Second, the review of current evidence found in literature and the three themes that emerged from this literature review included how online formative assessments can increase student engagement and academic performance, effective components of effective online formative assessments, and challenges that exist.

After the literature review, the author will present a research study which compares the learning outcomes and engagement levels of two groups of adult learners who studied language in online learning environments. Both groups of students received online instruction with google slides presentation, yet one group’s online presentation was integration with formative online assessment while the other group was not. An online formative assessment technology tool, Pear Deck, was integrated into the presentation. The instructor and curriculum for both groups were the same. Qualitative data were collected from Zoom video recordings. Students’ response rates, facial expressions, and chat room written responses were all recorded and noted for comparison. Results will be presented in the presentation, too.

The field of education play a vital role in our global society. Because of this, educators must learn, practice, and implement effective instructional strategies that challenge and engage the learner. Challenging and engaging in a way that allows for self-regulation, maximizes student engagement and performance, and promotes a deeper connection to learning outcomes so the next generation is well prepared to handle any challenge they are confronted with. The future of our children’s education requires that current professionals in the field take the necessary steps to ensure that students are engaged with relevant curriculum and are motivated to learn in a way that successfully utilizes functional technology in the classroom and at home.

Keywords:

Online formative assessment, technology tools for formative assessment.