The UP Open University (UPOU) was represented at EDUtech Philippines 2022 which was held virtually on 16 – 17 February 2022. Part of this event is a Higher Ed Live Panel titled “Instructional Design for Effective Online Assessments” where Dr. Joane Serrano, Director of the UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA) and Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), served as the moderator.
The event was participated by esteemed panelists and assessment experts from different universities in the Philippines: Mr. Galvin Ngo, Director of the Science of Art in Learning and Teaching (SALT), Ateneo de Manila University; Ms. Aisa Hipolito, Vice President for Academics, STI, and Ms. Devy Galang, Director of the Center of Technology-Enabled Education, Lyceum of the Philippines University.
Upper Left to Right: Ms. Aisa Hipolito of STI, Ms. Devy Galang of Lyceum of the Philippines. Lower Left to Right: Mr. Galvin Ngo of Ateneo De Manila University, Dr. Joane Serrano of UPOU
Instructional Designs Toward Intended Learning Outcomes
This panel discussion discussed the balancing summative and formative assessment, the assessment using backward designs, and assessing appropriate digital tools. In planning and implementing instructional designs, Ms. Hipolito shared that curriculum mapping based on the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSG) of Commission of Higher Education (CHED) that are horizontally and vertically-aligned with all courses are effective. Standards to these learning materials are always observed ensuring that they are fit for adaptive learning through the Learning Management System (LMS).
Scaffolding in assessment or breaking up learning into chunks, served as an appropriate tool to support both teachers and learners. Furthered by Ms. Galang, scaffolding or instructional scaffolding and formative assessments are strategies that teachers use to move the learning forward to the zone of proximal development or ZPD.
Mr. Ngo, in terms of backward design assessment, shared its principles–assessments are evidence of learning. Two essential things to remember in developing designs is to tailor-fit them to the kind of goals teachers want to establish; and, assessing content or assessing for transfer.
Online Distance Learning
All educational institutions have shifted to online distance learning whether by choice or by default due to the pandemic. According to Mr. Ngo these changes furthered the importance of formative assessment. Timely feedback is essential to every student to avoid the transactional distance or psychological distance due to the physical gap as a result of the current health crisis. This said feedback signifies the teacher’s presence.
Ms. Galang shared that it is important to conform assessment into the pedagogical fit by starting with its importance and goals, and having a clear understanding of the learning outcomes. In addition, it is befitting to consider the best form of assessments and feedback mechanisms.
In balancing summative and formative assessments–assessment of learning and assessment for learning–variety is the key, shared by Ms. Hipolito. It is also a consideration to develop assessments based on the diversities of the students– geographic, learning capabilities, and their available resources.
Designing assessments and fostering independent learning
In designing assessments and fostering independent learning, Dr. Serrano shared that it is essential that such assessments be able to apply in the real world.
Ms. Galang explained that consistency is important in terms of what and how one teaches and what they want to assess. Ideal learning materials must be relevant, accurate, comprehensive, free from extraneous content and have an organized sequence in meaningful chunks and be presented in various formats (e.g. audio and video) based on students’ specific needs.
Mr. Ngo said that assessments that have a program for immediate feedback, especially for formative assessments, are desirable. Teachers shall focus on transparency (e.g. rubrics, deadline, etc.) and provide variety–consider opportunities of online assessments that are present. Curriculum maps can also serve as a guide to know appropriate digital tools considering also student resources, shared by Ms. Hipolito.
As a takeaway, the discussion concluded that assessments serve as paradigms. Thus, more than for teachers, assessments are for the students and must be designed based on students’ needs and perspectives to help them reach their full potential. Effective online assessment must be consistent with what teachers want to teach.
EDUtech Philippines 2022 featured over 60 presentations, fireside chats, live panel discussions, town hall meetings and interactive Q&A from more than 140 speakers. The event is supported by the Department of Education and was held in partnership with more than 20 organizations.
Written by Alessa Shainne Hostalero
Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas
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