Online assessment and Learning Design: do's, don'ts, and design smarts
Assessing learning online might seem simple at first glance—just throw in a few multiple choice questions and call it a day, right? Not quite. When done well, online assessment can be one of the most powerful tools in your Learning Design toolkit.
Hi, I'm Bianca Raby—teacher by instinct, learning designer by passion. And if you've ever felt like online assessment means death by checkbox, I get it. But great Learning Design can change that narrative.
By the way, I've also made a video on this topic here:
Online assessment and Learning Design: the creative core of measuring learning
Assessments aren't just about grades—they're about learning. At its best, online assessment fuels feedback, informs teaching, and shapes course structure. And in Learning Design, it's where your creativity and strategy really shine.
Here are my top do's and don'ts for nailing online assessment in your next digital course:
Do's for effective online assessment
- Do clearly communicate assessment instructions. Break tasks down if needed. Clarity is king in Learning Design.
- Do use a variety of assessment methods. Mix quizzes with written tasks, peer feedback, and multimedia responses. One size does not fit all in the world of online assessment.
- Do personalise feedback. Even for multiple choice, you can pre-write tailored responses: "This is the correct answer because…" is better than "Correct!"
- Do choose the right tech tools. Use platforms that are accessible and inclusive—Learning Design must meet students where they are.
- Do keep it all in-platform. Don't ask students to submit work in ways that make them feel like spies on a mission. The LMS exists for a reason.
- Do use plagiarism checkers. With AI-generated content becoming more common, online assessment integrity is a rising concern.
- Do allow resubmissions. When feedback is constructive, students deserve the chance to apply it—another essential Learning Design principle.
- Do let your assessments inform instruction. If half your learners miss the mark, it's a sign—not a failure. Adapt and evolve.
Don'ts for online assessment
- Don't overuse multiple choice. It's easy—but overdone. Get creative with your Learning Design!
- Don't neglect data security. Keep student data protected inside secure systems and your LMS.
- Don't grade on a curve. Assess against clear outcomes, not how their peers performed.
- Don't treat assessment as the only learning metric. Engagement, discussion, and inquiry matter, too.
Online or offline, assessment is your moment to understand your learners. Great Learning Design recognises this and builds meaningful online assessment strategies that support—not just measure—progress.
What do you think? Any do's or don'ts you'd add to the list?
If crafting assessments is your jam, check out Oppida's Learning Design Microcredential.
Until next time, stay awesome.