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In order to get an accurate picture of how a learner is performing, trainers and assessors should try to conduct personal observations or direct observations. The problem with doing this is that it can be difficult for trainers and assessors to observe students if they are not performing or demonstrating their skills in a traditional assessment demonstration and performance setting.
We cannot ignore the fact that we can not make a learner competent without ensuring the learner has:
The importance of this becomes even more apparent and challenging to do when trainers and assessors are required to actually observe the learners executing a specific task or activity in an online learning environment.
Direct Observations in the Online Learning Environment
In order for all learners to demonstrate their performance effectively, understand where they are falling short, and provide suggestions to close those gaps in a professional and competent manner, trainers and assessors must be directly observed when they are performing any activity or task in the online environment. Trainers and assessors must be able to record any actions, attributes, behaviours, conversations or opinions regarding their learners’ performance on a task and/or activity; these observations can also be used to determine whether or not a learner has achieved competency in a training product.
How do you implement direct observation methods and techniques?
Direct observation techniques can be implemented anywhere through the use of digital cameras and recording equipment. This type of monitoring typically takes place in online courses where learners have access to computers with webcams and microphones. Mobile phones and other mobile devices can be used to demonstrate and capture direct observations as well.
Why can direct observations be difficult when observing student performance online?
Direct observation is often difficult in online learning environments because of the limits on what can be observed.
These difficulties are due to the fact that:
The purpose of direct observation is to provide feedback on how the student is progressing. It allows assessors to observe how students are performing, provide immediate feedback on student performance, identify student strengths and weaknesses, and make course adjustments based on what students are doing best.
So how should direct observations be planned and implemented?
If you are unsure about how to interpret an observation, trainers and assessors should always seek help from compliance and quality assurance experts or other industry professionals to help guide their decisions.