Assessing Process and Diagrams in an Online Environment Geoffrey Recktenwald Michigan State University Keywords: Assessments, Online, Mechanics, Free Body Diagrams, Visual Assessment.
Why: Students do not learn what isn’t assessed. We train engineers to be problem solvers. Problem solving is a process. We should grade the process, But…. online tools only assess solutions. Problem Statement Visual Representation Mathematical Representation Solution How do we assess process?
Online Homework: SolutionsDropbox image*: Process What: To assess process, use dual assessment. Only Grade Solution Only Grade Process Steps *Students submit via smartphone cameras.
When? Curriculum Development. – The online dynamics course curriculum was developed in – Materials include instructional videos & worked problems that focus on process. – The “dual assessment” methodology was developed to address shortcomings with online homework systems. Course Implementation – The course has been offered 3 times ( ). – Enrollments are ~30 students. – The dual methodology for assessment has now been implemented into in-class courses as well.
Where: Used in all dynamics sections at MSU. Online Course: Designed for a full semester of a fully online course in Dynamics. – The dual assessment methodology was developed to address a lack of process feedback in online homework systems. Off-line Course Section: Utilized in full semester in-class course section of Dynamics. – The successful implementation of dual assessment resulted in the instructor using the method in his in-class courses. Multiple Course Sections: Utilized by all instructors of Dynamics. – The dual assessment method was adopted by other section professors in subsequent semesters.
Prognosis: Are we making a difference? Assessing the Assessment – Examinations use the dual submission process (if remote). – Exams are used to track learning success. – Online students are compared with in-class students via common exams. Challenges: How do I scale the process to larger class sizes? – Homework: 1. Are there tools to make grading images more streamlined? 2. Ways to encourage students to help each other learn process? – Examinations: 1. How do I proctor remote student exams? Solved! 2. How do I offer multiple examination times? Students taking online courses in multiple time zones need individualized examination schedules. How do I offer multiple examinations without having to grade unique figures for each student?