Using Self-Check Exercises to Assess Online Learning
What are self-check exercises, exactly? They are problems (with answers) given to learners that allow them to assess how they are doing on an ongoing basis. Doing them online with self-grading provides immediate feedback. Links to additional materials can be provided to help anyone who is having difficulties. Online learners can do these exercises and submit questions they have, which the instructor can aggregate and respond to for the benefit of all learners.
Studies show that these types of activities help learners keep tabs on their progress and adjust their efforts, know when to seek help, and stay on track. These outcomes are especially important in online courses.
Some of the most important benefits of self-check exercises for online learning include:
- Helping learners determine what they do and do not understand so they can target where extra study is needed.
- Providing immediate feedback to learners and an option to link to additional materials (which may reduce the number of unfocused questions sent to the instructor).
- Providing feedback to the instructor about where learners are having difficulties so immediate interventions can be implemented.
- Increasing learner satisfaction with the instructor and the course.