Conducting Web-based Formative Assessment Reform for ODL Students: A Case Study

Abstract

Modern open and distance education is characterized by web-based instruction, web-based assessment and research. The significance and necessity on formative assessment have been well acknowledged in the educational field. This paper firstly introduces the formative assessment innovation project conducted by China Central Radio & Television University (CCRTVU). Based on the “web-based formative assessment for English II (1)”, a required course for the non-English majors following B. A. programmes at Yunnan Radio and TV University (YNTVU, now renamed Yunnan Open University), it will mainly discuss whether it is feasible and effective to put the formative assessment online from the following three aspects: a thorough data analysis of the pilot project results; the strengths of web-based formative assessment compared with the paper-based formative assessment and finally the constraints on implementing web-based formative assessment system in the remote areas like Yunnan province, China. In the study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were employed to collect the participants’ feedback. The study found that web-based formative assessment, when carefully designed, organized and managed, is a very useful way of stimulating and facilitating student learning, it will promote students’ learning autonomy, ensure students’ learning process and help students develop their overall language competence as well.