Learning in Cyberspace: A Guide to Authentic Assessment Tools for Web-based Instruction

Effective teaching depends upon 1) how clearly the students understand what they are supposed to learn and 2) how accurately that learning can be measured. While a lot of research in assessment is too specialized, or too basic to have much direct application to the online classroom, there are some well documented authentic assessment techniques and tools which have very direct implications for web-based learning and instructional design.

Now updated for the latest versions of Blackboard, Moodle and Canvas, the Third Edition of this research based hands-on guide shows you how to use methods for authentic Web-based learning and assessment, lesson planning and curriculum mapping. Additional features include:

• An Overview of Web-based Virtual Learning Environments
• A How-to for Assessing Online Instructional Learning Objectives
• Step-by-Step Guides for Developing Lesson Plans and Rubrics
• Template Examples and Broad Lists of Current Online Resources
• A Comprehensive Glossary and Annotated Bibliography

Dr. Thomas Buck is a Lecturer in the School of Business and Technology, at the College of St. Scholastica of Duluth, MN and teaches courses in management ethics, technology ethics, e-commerce, e-marketing, information systems and programming. With a PhD specializing in Educational Technology and Applied Information Systems, an MBA in Rural Healthcare, and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Buck's work includes teaching, research, and antiques.

His research work is two-fold, (i) web-based assessment tools and educational game design; and, (ii) e-commerce and social/cultural entrepreneurship. In assessment tools and game design, he is conducting an on-going research project on learning styles and distance learning, focusing on the developmental principles of educational psychology, game design, gender role theory, and assessment. He has also published a number of peer reviewed studies and books on topics ranging from Learning Styles and Web-based Learning to Technology Literacy Recommendations for colleges and universities. His related published works include his book, Learning in Cyberspace: A Guide to Authentic Assessment Tools for Web-based Instruction, and his McGraw-Hill/Irwin 2014 Distinguished Papers Award winning paper, Living the Case Study: Teaching Management and Leadership Ethics Through Serious Games, published by The Society for the Advancement of Information Systems.

As a small business owner, designated Cultural Entrepreneur, and internationally recognized Conservator of East Asian Historical & Cultural Artifacts, another one of Dr. Buck's passions is his research on Japanese and Chinese history, philosophy and fine arts. Among his related published works are his books The Art of Tsukamaki and Ancient Japanese Swords and Fittings, both available on Amazon.com.