The document provides tips for moderating synchronous online chats, including preparing for text and audio chats, giving clear instructions during discussions, and conducting post-discussion analysis. It also discusses approaches for assessing asynchronous online discussions and some of the challenges of assessing student learning in online courses as compared to face-to-face courses. Suggested solutions to challenges include using tools to prevent cheating, providing rich multimedia content, and incorporating more opportunities for student interaction and feedback.

1. Task 4.3 E-Moderation Resource Pack
Ana
Zahida
Brenda
Portia

2. Assessment of synchronous chats
Synchronous chats may be divided into two
groups: text chats and audio chats (can
have a video element as well).
Both groups share the same general tips for
success.

3. Preparation tips – for the tutor
• get to know the platform in advance
• do a trial run
• have a backup plan ready
• in case of international participants consider
time zones
• form groups that allow meaningful discourse
(4 – 6 participants)

4. Preparation tips – for the students
• give participants pre-chat assignments
• familiarize the students with basic rules of
netiquette and useful vocabulary
• develop a participation assessment rubric and
share it with the students prior to discussion
• consider those who do not participate as
absent
• establish the beginning and ending times for
discussions

5. During the discussion
• for group work give clear instructions as to
who will be the leader/facilitator
• pay attention that students keep sentences
short and stick to the topic
• in case of “undesired” behaviour remind the
student of what is expected in a private
message
• allow for “think time”, but keep it short

6. Post discussion
• use transcripts/recordings (if available) for
post-chat analysis
• conduct a brief feedback survey / poll among
students
• make a summary of the main points /
highlights and share it with the students

7. Text vs. audio
Text
Advantages:
• low-tech option
• transcripts for later analysis
• easy to learn to use
Disadvantages:
• can be chaotic (keep groups
small)
• weaker typists at a disadvantage
(consider this when assigning
groups)
Audio
Advantages:
• Real “oral” practice of language
• More personal and dynamic
Disadvantages:
• For small groups only
• Reliable broadband Internet
connection needed
• Recording an audio chat may be
complex

8. Asynchronous Assessments
To assess learners’ contributions via online
discussions- asynchronous learning include
email, electronic mailing lists, threaded
conferencing systems, online discussion
boards, wikis, and blogs.

9. Huge amount of data

10. Approaches

11. Learner Feedback

12. Content Analysis

13. Blackboard and Safe Assignment
• Use Blackboard discussion grader; grade by
forum, not thread
Blackboard's discussion grading capabilities
• Assessing Assignments:
Details for viewing and downloading all
submitted assignments are available here
• Safe Assign is a free plagiarism prevention tool
that allows for you to protect the originality of
work and ensure a fair playing ground for all
your students.

14. More ways to assess
• Assessments Tests Quizzes: multiple choice,
true/false, essay, other types of questions –
include graphics, videos, and simulations- can
include time limits, multiple attempts-save
and resume later.
• Discussion Boards Wikis Assessments Google
Documents Videos Messages

15. Further resources
• Tips for asynchronous learning
https://www.docebo.com/2015/06/22/10-
invaluable-tips-to-develop-asynchronous-
learning/
• Reduce Impact of Cheating
http://facdevblog.niu.edu/onlinecheating
• Prof C Bonk: Planning an Online Course

16. Assessment Challenges for
Online Courses
Most online courses may have been taught face to face which means
that assessments already exist.
Online or offline, assessments need to align with course objectives and
provide a consistent measure of student learning.
But assessments that work well in face to face may need to be changed
or even replaced online.
Online teaching environments present the following challenges to
traditional assessment.
Ref ; Faculty Focus

17. Challenges and solutions
Online courses may need more student interaction
Possible solutions:
• Peer review
• Group projects
Cheating can be easier to accomplish:
Possible solutions:
• Use timed tests;
• Use shuffled or randomized test questions;
• Short quizzes or self check activities;
• Assignments for writing, speaking or presenting;
• Take tests at the same time.

18. Online students need more student to tutor interaction.
Possible solutions:
• Frequent self check quizzes and activities
• Rich, detailed feedback using a variety of tools such as video and
other audio-visual apps for feedback.
Online students need content that is planned & structured
for motivation
Possible solutions:
• Milestones to help identify problem
• Graded project work or break up larger projects
• Graded participation & contribution

19. Performance assessments such as presentations and demonstrations.
Possible solutions:
• Step-by-step instructions on use of hard/software
• Access to free conferencing such as Skype and Google hangouts.
Online courses need as much rich, multimedia as possible
Possible solutions:
• Image based activities
• Audio-based activities
• Drag and drop activities
Online assessments can mean a heavier workload
Possible solutions:
• Group projects
• Peer-review activities
• Student–led discussions
• Use multimedia tools such as Voice Thread, Vocaroo

20. Activities for Rounding up and Finishing a Course

21. 1. End of Course Survey
This can be about 20 questions and done anonymously. Questions shouldbe a mix of
some multiplechoice andwritten. For example:
• What did you like the most about the course?
• What did you like the least about the course?
• How can we improve the course?
• Are there any areas that your tutor can improve?
2.Create an advice wall using Padlet
Eachparticipant of the course writes a tip for future trainers.
• Keep Calm and Don’t Panic
• Give positive Feedback

22. 3. Parting Gifts
These can include Poems, Songs, Audio Messages, Favourite pictures, Recipes Etc.
4. Goodbye Messages

23. E-mod Class of October 2015
5. Class Picture