Summative eAssessment Tools

By definition, a summative assessment is different from a formative assessment in that it does not give feedback to a student in a formative way.  It is not part of the learning process, but rather a true evaluation to determine, or ensure, the learning has occurred and outcomes have been achieved.  This does not mean that they don't have value or that they don't need to be well designed.  It is especially important in summative assessments that they are designed to truly evaluate the desired outcome. We refer to this as an "Authentic Assessment." In this section we are going to talk about the tools in Canvas that make the Summative Assessment process more effective and efficient, while linking you out to additional resources to learn more.

Exams - Quizzes Tool

The Quizzes Tool can be used for auto-graded exams and tests in Canvas. These are great for assessing fact based information such as definitions, dates, names, etc. The advantage of using Canvas for this kind of test is that you are able to designate correct answers make tests self-grading, saving you important time for other aspects of teaching. Depending on the nature of the content, students may take online exams at home freeing up your class time for more interactive sessions like discussions and demonstrations. If you’re concerned about cheating on this kind of test, you can use tools such as Respondus Lockdown Browser Links to an external site., Respondus Monitor Links to an external site., or Panopto as virtual proctors to monitor students during exams.  Local students could also make use of campus testing centers to complete online exams.

Panopto for Student Speeches and Presentations

Online student speeches and presentations have been made easier with Panopto. This integrated tool in Canvas can be used by instructors who want their students to culminate their learning in a final speech or presentation. In an online setting, getting students to turn in a recorded speech can be a challenge, but Panopto provides a well-designed tool to meet that need. A helpful feature in Panopto is the Assignment Folder Links to an external site.. This folder allows students to create or upload their videos here, but aren’t allowed to view their classmate’s videos. If you do want students to be able to see each other’s work, simply have students embed their videos in a discussion response for viewing and grading.

Using a Rubric as a Grading Tool

You’re probably already familiar with the idea of using a rubric for grading assignments and projects that could otherwise be more subjective in nature. Instead of having to constantly judge the quality of an essay, presentation, or project, the rubric describes your expectations, and quantifies levels of completion, allowing you to grade in a more objective manner. The Rubric Tool in Canvas takes it a step further and makes grading even quicker by allowing you to click directly in the appropriate criteria field and scores are automatically calculated and added to the gradebook. Use the rubric tool in Canvas to make grading your summative assessments more objective and consistent.

Speedgrader

Even if you teach on-ground courses, accepting assignments through Canvas can help to make the process more efficient. Canvas’s Speedgrader allows you to grade student submissions (assignments, discussions, and quizzes) with a point scale or a rubric that is directly linked to the Canvas Gradebook. You can view documents, make annotations or comments directly on the student work, and provide your students immediate direct feedback. Students can be notified of their score through Canvas as soon as you grade the work. Reducing the lag time between grading and returning the assignment can help improve the feedback loop and allow students more time for revision. Check out some of its features in this Speedgrader tutorial.  

Student Groups for Evaluation and Assessment

Using a group project as a summative assessment can be a challenge, especially when done online. Canvas provides a place for students to meet, discuss, and present final projects all within Canvas Student Groups. Student Groups provides a designated group space within your course where students can collaborate and create together. They can even turn in or present their final projects. Maximizing the use of this tool along with peer to peer reviews or group contracts can help make these summative assessments easier to implement and more effective in meeting course outcomes.

After reading these ideas and exploring the linked resources, click Next to share your ideas with us and your peers...