Reimagined Continuous Assessment for Open Distance Electronic Learning

Abstract

Continuous assessment involves several assessment activities to track students’ progress and learning. Challenges experienced during online examinations by the lecturers and students at the University of South Africa have forced the University to reimagine its assessment policies. Continuous assessment is not a new phenomenon or assessment method; however, it has recently been reimagined for online learning and assessment, replacing online examinations. This study aimed to explore continuous assessment strategies that are used to reinforce student learning and participation in open-distance electronic learning (ODeL). An interpretive study of continuous assessment strategies was undertaken to research the process used by lecturers to reinforce student learning and participation in an ODeL university in South Africa. The study was conducted through an online questionnaire targeting lecturers from the College of Education of the University of South Africa (UNISA). The lecturers use multiple assessment activities designed for ongoing assessment to evaluate student learning that promotes regular feedback through assignments or assessment activities that build on each other.

Keywords: continuous assessment, online learning, online assessment, student learning and participation

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-34-06

Publication date: December 31^st 2023