I actually copied this and put it on a sticky note, as I find it so important: 

The evaluation process for an online course should include the following steps:

Develop an overall evaluation strategy that helps the instructor plan how and when to evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction.
Develop a formative evaluation strategy that can be used to revise instruction as the course is being developed and implemented.
Develop a summative evaluation strategy that is conducted after instruction is completed and provides information for course revision and future planning.
Collect data from students using both quantitative and qualitative methods.… >>>

I learned that objective assessments can be summarive or formative.

New learning for me was the three types of diagnostic assessment, 1) pre-test, 2) muddiest point, and 3) the 1-2-3 list.

I appreciate the discussion about the pros and cons for each type of technology tool. 

Potential benefits are provided by value-added assessment over other methods of analyzing student scores include focus, fair comparison, accountability, and diagnostics. These all assist in investigating students' growth in learning by comparing students' current level of learning to their own past learning.

Rubrics should be used in the assessment process because many experts believe that rubrics improve students' end products and therefore increase learning. When students receive rubrics prior to the assignment/project, they understand how they will be evaluated and can prepare accordingly.

The difference between validity and reliability. Validity is more important. Validity ensures a test measures what it is intended to measure. Validity is essential. It is more crucial than the reliability. Also, if a test is valid, it is almost always reliable.

It is important to understand the difference between assessment and evaluation as they are critical components to the learning and teaching process. As instructors continually develop assessments and evaluate students, distinguishing between the two enhances the process of assessing and judging student learning.

Online quizzes and tests are familiar types of assessment tools for the online environment. Other examples include audio/video, digital portfolio, performance assessment, Track Changes, virtual labs, simulations, and WebQuests. There are a variety of technology assessment tools that function to assess student learning.

There is no one way to develop a rubric. The rubric can be developed using a multitude of resources that speak directly to what it is that is needed.

Incorporating diagnostics can provide a good foundation for subsequent assessments.  If students have a high level of knowledge coming into the course, more extensive and in-depth assessments should then be created to generate higher levels of critical thinking.