Overview: Item-Based Summative Assessments

There are several options for adding item-based assessments to a course. This type of assessment uses various question types in a number of configurations to deliver graded assessments. The item-based assessment types are: 

1. Quizzes: These are typically placed at the end of modules as a comprehensive assessment of the learning objectives that students practiced. 

3. Unit Tests: These are comprehensive assessments placed at the end of a unit. 

 

Options for the Student Experience

There are many options for configuring item-based assessments, so it's important to plan the student experience to be before you get started. There are three main configurations.

 

Single Forms

Use this configuration if you want to deliver only a single quiz or test attempt for your students. Here, you can author just a single set of questions. This is the most straightforward option for creating assessments. 

 

Multiple Parallel Forms

Use this configuration if you want students to receive different question sets on their single attempt, or to take quizzes or tests multiple times but with different questions each time. This method requires you to write multiple parallel questions against each learning objective, allowing students to retake assessments with different sets of questions each time, with questions equal in content coverage and difficulty. 

 

Highly Randomized Forms

If you want students to each have different questions for their assessment attempt or have multiple highly randomized assessment attempts, this is possible in Smart Author. Students could have multiple attempts at assessments, and each student would receive a selection of questions which could be different from each other student. This method requires the most planning and structure in Smart Author, but will produce the most randomized assessments.

 

Note: Consult with Acrobatiq

If you're thinking about creating assessments from scratch, please consult with your Engagement Manager to confirm the best option for your goals. 

Was this article helpful?