OnLine Assignments
This is the first of several papers focused on the “how to” for preparing and utilizing online student assignments. As used here, assignments can be homework or projects, term papers, essays, or portfolios. I’ll tackle quizzes and tests later because these require every student to have internet access during class.
What’s so great about online assignments? Once you have developed your routine and a methodology that’s comfortable; once you’ve ‘trained’ your students on what to do, online assignments can save you a ton of time, reams of paper, and the hassle of lugging armloads of test papers around. The added benefit is that absent students are able to access assignments and supporting materials, there are no ‘lost handouts’, ‘forgot my binder’ excuses. You can also get a lot more done.
Of course, with any innovation, there is a start-up effort (nothing is free) and you should plan to try several methods until you find one that fits well with your workstyle.
What I’ll focus on here is moving beyond a simple PDF copy of a homework sheet that the student prints, fills in, and then returns but rather look at how you can automate, streamline, and create efficiencies in:
- Create/design (using features unique to online documents such as hyperlinks or embedded video)
- Distribute to students (when where and how you want - individuals, workgroups, whole class)
- Students create/add/edit work online and “return” it online
- Grade and critique student work, communicate it to the student
- Allow for rework, resubmission (if you choose)Working paper: Online assignments using Google DriveWorking paper: Online assignments using EdLine website
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