Glossary
The terms below increase in practicality as you move down.
| Models | Macro-level descriptions or representations of assessment systems or approaches, usually presenting a preferred conceptual framework for planning and conducting assessment, and its role in teaching and learning. Related terms: theory, approach, map, framework, system, authentic assessment, evidence-based assessment, competency-based assessment, criterion-referenced learning. |
| Guidelines | General summaries of desirable or recommended features of assessment in the online environment. Usually do not provide any specific information on how to put the guidelines into practice. In quality contexts, usually describe requirements for compliance. Related terms: best-practice guidelines, assessment principles, assessment guides, policy objectives, quality requirements, research findings, quality standards. |
| Guides | Professional development materials designed to help staff to increase their knowledge and skills in assessment in the online environment by providing information, advice and/or structured practice and activities. Related terms: portals, books, manuals, websites, tutorials. |
| Strategies | Methods of assessment at the program or course level, including the repertoire of options available to meet the needs of the learners, the learning context, the type of learning outcomes and the culture of assessment. Related terms: learning activities, assessment tasks, portfolios, tests, quizzes. |
| Job aids | Practical tools used to help complete specific tasks at any of the various stages of planning and conducting online assessment. Related terms: tools, checklists, rubrics, process maps, instructions. |
| Software tools | Software programs that provide assessment functionality in the online environment. Includes features built into Learning Management System software (like quizzes), add-ons, which can provide increased functionality to larger systems, and stand-alone tools. Related terms: tools, applications, programs, toys. |
| Assessment instruments | Course-specific materials used to conduct and record a particular assessment, including materials to be filled in by learners. Some of these can be customisable templates. Related terms: assessment tools, record books, assessment instructions. |
| Test banks | Collections of assessment tasks which can be adapted or used to meet local needs. Related terms: repositories. |
| Case studies | Contextualised examples of good practice which can serve as models or sources of ideas for others. Related terms: exemplars, models. |
