How do online learning environments enhance formative assessments?

Online learning environments enhance formative assessments primarily through the use of tools like quizzes and interactive discussions. This approach facilitates immediate feedback, an essential component of formative assessment, allowing students to understand their learning progress in real-time. Quizzes can be designed to adapt to the learner's performance, providing tailored questions that address individual knowledge gaps. Interactive discussions foster engagement and collaboration among students, encouraging them to articulate their understanding and receive input from peers, which deepens their learning experience.

This dynamic environment contrasts with fixed scoring mechanisms or limitations on student interaction, which do not support the adaptive and responsive nature of effective formative assessments. Relying solely on written exams also restricts the variety of assessment methods that can engage learners and provide valuable insights into their understanding.