Communicate 4.1.1 Evaluation Methods & Communication

Students in the online environment must act as autonomous learners, taking initiative to become independently successful in their academics.  However, their independence is not without guidance.  Therefore, one of the most important facets of communication in an online classroom must be feedback.

A virtual teacher must commit to providing authentic feedback that is truly individualized in order to foster continued growth in their students.  Unlike the traditional, brick-and-mortar teacher who can stand beside a student and watch theier struggle and growth, giving personable guidance along the way, a virtual teacher must employ a different set of tools and methods for monitoring progress and providing feedback.

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First, a virtual teacher must consider the forms of assessment.  While online quizzes are good for showing student progress and collecting data, students need the opportunity to explain what they know.  Blogs, discussions, and synchronous sessions are excellent ways to foster the student understanding-teacher feedback cycle.

Another effective means of giving feedback is through online conferences with students.  Online conferences allow a virtual teacher to speak directly with a student regarding their academic performance, as well as giving the student an opportunity to share how they feel about the course. 

Although holding individual conferences with students and providing written feedback on assignments are both time consuming practices, the more personable and authentic a teacher can make this type of  communication, the more students will continue to engage in their virtual classroom.