Towards Authentic Online Assessment of Learner Performance at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa)

Abstract

Achieving authentic learner assessment is not an easy task. Online teaching and learning require assessment of both formative and summative assessment. The combination of the two types of assessments facilitates measurement of learning outcomes, application of knowledge, metacognition through reflection and self-assessment, interaction through collaborative activities, creation of new knowledge and achievement of higher order thinking which is a daunting task to many organizations. This study focused on moving towards achievement of authentic online assessment of learner performance. It sought to achieve five research questions including establishing the status of online assessment, determining digital tools used on online assessment, finding out the factors which affect exam credibility, examining the extent to which formative assessment contributes to authentic learner assessment and establishing the extent to which summative assessment contributes to authentic learner assessment. The study adopted a mixed method approach which collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. This triangulation approach facilitated complementarity of the data to adequately interrogate the research questions. Data was collected from faculty members, chairs of departments and the dean for the Chandaria School of Business. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicate that the status of online assessment was based on the face-to-face approach, a variety of digital tools were being used in online assessment while several factors associated with learner and instructor support affected examination credibility. The study established that formative assessment contributed significantly and positively towards authentic learner assessment while summative assessment’s contribution to authentic learner assessment was dismal. This study concluded that educational technology tools facilitate learner assessment, and the online examination credibility is key to achieving better results. While both formative and summative assessments are important authentic assessments, more emphasis needs to be placed on formative assessment. The study recommends support to both the learners and the instructors. Specifically, the instructors need to be trained in assessment approaches which lead to authentic learner performance.