One of the ultimate goals of effectively designed online programs from a teaching perspective should be to assess learning. As students communicate and complete assignments/projects, they must understand how they will be assessed. Criteria must be used as the basis of a framework for measuring growth in the learning process. To effectively complete assessments, rubrics are a key component.
A rubric is simply an assessment tool. Many are provided online or can be developed online through websites such as Rubistar. Rubrics should include a set of criteria that connect to specific outcomes/objectives of the course or assignment. Rubrics allow for standardized evaluation and make the evaluation process more simple and transparent. Rubrics provide students (through peer evaluation) and the instructor with a guide with which to provide feedback to others through formative or summative assessment. Rubrics should provide specific criteria, a range of performance, and a focus on the objectives.
