Manuchar Mikayelyan

Potential benefits are provided by value-added assessment over other methods of analyzing student scores include focus, fair comparison, accountability, and diagnostics. These all assist in investigating students' growth in learning by comparing students' current level of learning to their own past learning.

Rubrics should be used in the assessment process because many experts believe that rubrics improve students' end products and therefore increase learning. When students receive rubrics prior to the assignment/project, they understand how they will be evaluated and can prepare accordingly.

The difference between validity and reliability. Validity is more important. Validity ensures a test measures what it is intended to measure. Validity is essential. It is more crucial than the reliability. Also, if a test is valid, it is almost always reliable.

It is important to understand the difference between assessment and evaluation as they are critical components to the learning and teaching process. As instructors continually develop assessments and evaluate students, distinguishing between the two enhances the process of assessing and judging student learning.

Online quizzes and tests are familiar types of assessment tools for the online environment. Other examples include audio/video, digital portfolio, performance assessment, Track Changes, virtual labs, simulations, and WebQuests. There are a variety of technology assessment tools that function to assess student learning.

The instructor should monitor discussions in an online environment. Guidelines must first be provided and then the instructor must monitor the discussion to assess the direction and content. Without this monitoring, there is a risk of minimal discussion or too much unfocused discussion.

An online instructor should become a "guide on the side." The instructor should refrain from posting immediate answers to the discussion board; refrain from stating immediately whether answers are right or wrong; avoid posting too much, too often; and facilitate the sharing of ideas and opinions.

Online instructors should be aware of communication differences among generations.
Understanding communication differences among generations will help the instructor provide differentiated instruction. It will also help instructors alter their communication and/or design activities to more appropriately reach each student and help them achieve the learning outcomes/objectives. It will also help build a viable online learning community.

Guidelines for communication or Communication Codes of Conduct help students understand communication rules and consequences for not following the rules. When developing a Communication Code of Conduct there is a need to investigate appropriate netiquette and online communication rules which is essential in developing a code that works. We must also review the course and determine the most appropriate methods for communication.

When deciding on which technology communication tools to use there is a need to review each technology communication tool and assess the function of the tool in conjunction with how to effectively convey the message. Without investigating the different communication tools thoroughly, the wrong tool may be selected and the communication process will be hindered.

understanding emotions of other people and being in control of your own is one of the key components to succeed at work.

It is very helpful to understand soft skills vs. hard skills.