Alternative Assessment Approaches for Online Learning Environments in Higher Education

This article describes the need and prospects for alternative assessment approaches in online learning environments within the context of higher education. Assessment in higher education has traditionally focused on retention of knowledge and its application in limited contexts as measured by paper and pencil tests and academic assignments such as writing term papers. Increased interest among academics in what has been labeled “alternative assessment” reflects both dissatisfaction with national approaches to assessment and the desire to assess the attainment of higher order educational goals that involve deep understanding and active use of knowledge in complex, realistic contexts. Concerns about current assessment approaches are increasing as online learning environments become more prevalent in higher education. The article prescribes three different approaches to integrating alternative assessment approaches into online learning environments: 1) cognitive assessment, 2) performance assessment, and 3) portfolio assessment.