Pamela T. Northrup

Situated Learning Online: Assessment Strategies for Online Expeditions

National concerns related to accountability and reform movements greatly influence our classroom presentation and assessment strategies. Online expeditions, situated in authentic, real-world environments, are an effective and exciting way to help students learn in constructivist environments. Traditional paper and pencil tests often do not capture the students entire learning experience as they participate in these virtual, problem-based learning environments. Alternative assessments and aligning those assessments to standards promote successful performance on accountability tests such as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).

Considerations for designing Web-based programs

Summary With over two million students projected to be enrolled in higher education distance learning courses by the year 2002, it is imperative that consideration be given to the design of high-quality online programs. Using the framework of grounded design as a context for dealing with the range of design decisions that best facilitate learning outcomes, five areas are discussed: psychological, pedagogical, technical, cultural, and pragmatic (Hannafin, Hannafin, Land, & Oliver, 1997). Examples are provided of how each area of grounded design can be used, as instructional designers, content experts, and others establish Web-based programs in higher education.