[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:2969] Distance learning and assessment

From: Frances Keenan (fkeenan@pbs.org)
Date: Tue Jul 22 2003 - 15:08:12 EDT


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Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:2969] Distance learning and assessment
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I found the following information on Project IDEAL's web site about a
working paper published in September 2002. The paper is in PDF format,
has an executive summary and can be downloaded.

Assessment Working Paper

Key issues states face include determining how to track, assess, and
report on distance learners using state and national accountability
systems. This paper lays out issues in assessing and counting distance
learners and recommends research studies to explore these issues. Topics
include:

National Reporting System Requirements: Many states have yet to
determine how to count their distance learners in terms of the NRS. This
section explicates NRS requirements and lays out issues unique to
distance learners.

Seat Time: In classroom settings, students are generally assigned
instructional hours based on time spent in class. In distance settings,
the question of instructional time is more complicated. This section
explores various methods for tracking seat time for some of the most
widely used curricular packages.

Measuring Educational Gain: The standardized tests most commonly used by
states for state and federal reporting do not always measure the
knowledge and skills adults gain from studying. This section proposes a
process for reviewing the fit of various standardized assessments with
specific curricula. It also considers strategies for ensuring distance
learners can be assessed in ways that satisfy NRS policies for
standardized testing.

Assessment and Accountability Issues in Distance Education for Adult
Learners is available for download.

Executive Summary (Abstract + Executive Summary, 4 Pages, Acrobat
format, 208k) DEAssmt1stEdExecSum.pdf

Full Report (Abstract, Executive Summary, Detailed Report, 37 pages,
473K) DEAssessment1stEditionFinal.pdf 

If the links do not work, go to
http://www.projectideal.org/activities.htm#consultation and scroll down
to Assessment Working Paper



Fran Keenan
PBS Adult Learning Service
fkeenan@pbs.org
www.pbs.org/literacy/esl




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