Add assessment to your tests. When you give tests or quizzes online, add a question or two about the test preparation and the test itself on the actual exam. For instance, you might ask, "What types of test preparation were extremely helpful?" or "Are there any questions on this exam you find especially relevant or irrelevant?" This will allow students to quickly and easily respond to one area of your online classroom exams and exam preparation. Examine the answers to this question. If multiple students have the same problem or an individual says something particularly enlightening, determine a way to change your exam or exam preparation methods. Keep notes about these changes for inclusion in your progress report. Since one of the most important parts of assessment is to change due to the assessment, it is important to record how you responded to what you learned in the assessment in your progress report.
Use student learning as one method of assessment. Virtual classroom assessment is different than traditional student assessment because you are more concerned about your performance than grades. However, one way to assess yourself as an online teacher is by determining whether your students learned what you taught them. Give students weekly questions or conduct mini-discussions (perhaps for bonus points), and ask them to write--in their own words--what they've learned about a particular important subject. This can be a bit more challenging online as students can simply look up information, so try to make the assignment about something that was specifically discussed in class and that is not readily available online. To further assess your teaching, ask students what they remember about that particular unit or lesson and how it aided or detracted from their learning. In your progress report, write about what subjects your students learned well and why they identified with the material. Next, discuss how you dealt with any individual or widespread problems of failing to learn an important point.
Give periodic classroom assessments. This can take the form of a class forum discussion, a quick write-up or a complete survey. Ask students to discuss the pros and cons of the virtual classroom, what they thought helped them learn and what they thought did not. Ask the students to be specific, especially about the use of technology and the online environment. Are some students taking their first class online? Was it easy for them to navigate? Are some students more familiar with online classes? How does your class measure up to the others they've taken? Assess students often throughout the semester using this quick method, and try to make changes to your online teaching as the students give you feedback. Make sure to write about these changes in your private blog/journal to include in your progress report.