Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

7.11. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO TESTS

Testing in WBT obviously has limitations and is not always the best way to evaluate the progress of learners. Testing is certainly not the only way. Before you start designing tests, take a few minutes to consider alternatives to tests.

7.11.1. Use more than formal, graded tests

Not all assessments need to be formal, graded tests. Use a mixture of different forms of assessment:

• Formal graded tests

• Open-book tests

• Self-graded tests

• Ungraded tests

• Activities

• Games

• Puzzles

• Research projects

• Tests taken by teams instead of individuals

7.11.2. Measure performance in the workplace

To verify that learning is transferred to the workplace, conduct a simulation or role-playing exercise in the workplace. To see how well managers at the Response Marketing Services division of Moore Corporation in Green Bay, Wisconsin, had mastered interviewing skills taught by a CD-ROM course, the company had managers conduct mock interviews with interviewers from outside the company [103].

The Mortgage Bankers Association of America phoned learners at their desks, asking them to quote the current rate for fixed-rate mortgages [58]. The phone call tested whether they had mastered the material of the course they had just completed.

7.11.3. Help learners build portfolios

Instead of testing on knowledge, have learners create tangible evidence of their learning. Base grading on a work-ready portfolio the learner assembles during the class [104]. The portfolio can consist of samples ...