So much of the spring semester 2020 is different. As you prepare for your final exams, consider the following factors...
CELT Teaching Tip • April 21, 2020
Spring 2020 Guidance on Prep Week and Final Exams
These updates to the Prep Week Policy and final exams provide guidance to reflect the Spring 2020 academic environment created as a result of the Iowa State University coronavirus response. Read through and bookmark the Academics and Instruction Update: Prep Week and Final Exam Guidance (SVPP COVID-19 Communication #7) page.
4 factors to prepare for remote assessments
So much of the spring semester 2020 is different. As you prepare for your final exams, consider the following factors, and consult the CELT Remote Assessments page for more information.

1. Determine the acceptable evidence of learning
Your learning goals are an excellent place to start when considering alternative assessments. Consider:
  • What can I do to promote student learning while we all are coping with COVID-19?
  • What do I hope students will be able to do by the end of my course?
  • What ways can they demonstrate what they know?
  • How can I make it more meaningful/authentic?
  • How can I incorporate knowledge creation?
  • How can I leverage the online context? 

2. Consider the impact of proctored exams at this time
Traditional timed, proctored exams are possible using the tools available in Canvas along with remote proctoring tools (e.g., Lockdown Browser with Respondus Monitor) or proctor it yourself with Webex . However,   proctored remote exams have several drawbacks, including increased stress and setup challenges (Woldeab & Brothen, 2019) . Consider Canvas exams (quizzes) , open-book exams , or the other assessment strategies (listed below) that are relatively easy to grade.
 
3. Choose the suitable remote assessment method
Changing a course from face-to-face to online teaching poses particular challenges. Go to the CELT Remote Assessments page and review the following options as alternatives to proctored exams:
  • Annotated anthology or bibliography 
  • e-Portfolio 
  • Fact sheet 
  • Group project 
  • Non-traditional paper (essay) 
  • Open Book or “Take-home” Exam 
  • Peer- and self-review activity 
  • Professional presentation or demonstration 
  • Series of quizzes 
  • Student-developed quiz question
 
4. Finally, be sure to communicate clearly your expectations to students! Provide an announcement that contains information about the exam and ensure that students contact you with any questions. Use the guiding questions on the CELT Remote Assessments page to help outline your communication with them, clarify essential details, along with promoting academic integrity .

With a joy for teaching,

Sara Marcketti, Director
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

References
Prepare your Gradebook accurately with the end of the semester checklist
To help with the efficiency of grade submission, we want to help you best prepare your Gradebook in Canvas now, rather than during finals week. Follow five of the seven steps outlined on the  End of Semester Checklist page . Then, finish with the last two steps when you are ready to submit the grades and retain your records.
As a reminder, Grades are due May 12 at 2:15 p.m.
Given the implementation process of the temporary Pass/Not Pass policy, this deadline cannot be extended. Use this checklist at the end of the semester to conclude your Canvas course and submit final grades.
Get the support you need
A red button with a question mark and Help in white writing
For help with the Gradebook tool, contact Canvas Support via the ?Help menu in Canvas:
  • Chat with Canvas Support use the live chat tool
  • Ticket support. Open the ?Help menu in Canvas and click Report a Problem
  • 24/7 phone support. Call 515-294-4000 (listen to prompts to connect to Canvas support).
  • Find answers to common questions in the Canvas Instructor Guides.

For help with the End-of-course checklist or Submit Grades tools, contact the ISU Solution Center:
  • Email solution@iastate.edu
  • Call 515-294-4000 and follow the prompts to receive support from Solution Center staff

To receive one-to-one assistance, contact the CELT Response Team
  • Call us through the CELT Response Team 515-294-5357 (Monday-Friday, 8-5 p.m.). We have staff across campus willing to assist. If needed, the campus partners will meet with you virtually using Webex.
  • Additionally, you may wish to contact one of the support units directly. Please note which program, department, or college each unit serves and contact the unit for your area.
Upcoming CELT Virtual Programs
Prefer a Print version?
To view the Teaching Tip as a printable document with the web addresses, download the CELT Teaching Tip for April 21, 2020 (PDF) ( https://bit.ly/2zih1kn)