It is best practice to design assignments and assessments that consider your online audience. Connect them to real work, build on prior experience, and require applied thinking.
Here are some best practices to incorporate.
- Anticipate common questions and answer them upfront
- Specify expectations, format, and submission details
Why it matters
Clear instructions reduce confusion and improve submission quality.
- Use formats learners encounter in professional settings (reports, proposals, presentations)
- Offer templates or allow learners to use workplace formats when appropriate
Why it matters
Relevance increases engagement and transfer to practice.
- Define criteria and performance levels
- Share the rubric before submission
Why it matters
Transparency helps learners self-assess and meet expectations.
- Tell learners when they will receive feedback and grades
- Aim to return feedback before the next assignment is due
Why it matters
Timely feedback supports improvement on subsequent work.
- Ask learners to cite course or external sources
- Clarify acceptable citation formats
Why it matters
Evidence-based work strengthens reasoning and credibility.
- Provide simple guidelines (e.g., 2 strengths + 1 suggestion)
- Encourage use of the rubric during peer review
Why it matters
Structured peer feedback builds evaluative skills and improves drafts.
- Use discussion boards or collaboration tools for group work
- Define roles, expectations, and deliverables
Why it matters
Collaboration mirrors professional practice and deepens learning.
- Provide samples of strong work (with permission)
- Highlight what makes them effective
Why it matters
Examples clarify expectations and quality standards.
References
- Knowles, M., Holton, E., & Swanson, R. (1998). Fifth Edition: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. Texas: Gulf Professional Publishing.
- Palloff, R. & Pratt, K. (2009). Assessing the Online Learner: Resources and Strategies for Faculty. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
