Mastery learning is based on behaviorism and Skinner’s operant conditioning theory where learning is accomplished through associating a behavior with a consequence (Schunk, 2012). The proposal of strategic integration of FlexiQuiz throughout the course where students may complete quizzes through their mobile devices to reinforce newly acquired concepts is based on this learning principle. Students proceed through a course gradually as they master the learning objectives by engaging in frequent formative assessment that provides immediate feedback and multiple attempts (Grant & Spencer, 2003).
MDDE 601 includes three assignments and forum discussions. However, the complexity of DE concepts creates a demand for gradual assessment in order for the learner to become familiarized with the material and identify knowledge gaps in a timely manner. FlexiQuiz will foster conceptual understanding by providing consistent formative assessment that includes immediate feedback so learners can monitor their progress.
“As students participate in the quiz at their own time, using a familiar device, and receiving immediate feedback, they can clarify areas of confusion, assess their performance against the learning objectives, and take corrective steps to improve on weak areas”
Features of FlexiQuiz
FlexiQuiz is a mobile-friendly and user-friendly assessment tool. Feedback can be added, images and videos can be included, questions can be randomized and weight graded, and the quiz can be saved and continued at the instructor’s convenience. The quiz can either be published to a specific group through personalized mails, or it can be open to everyone with a link. In addition, its URL can be customized. Results are analyzed, there is immediate feedback, and quizzes can be timed or open. Features such as automatic grading, immediate scoring, and repeated attempts are congruent with personalized instruction, supporting learners’ self-regulation of study according to scoring results, and augmenting learning opportunities towards mastery.
Additionally, sources and YouTube videos can be embedded in both the questions and feedback, and a variety of question styles is available (see Figure 7).
FlexiQuiz provides the following features:
- Access anywhere: Can access, administer, and take quizzes from anywhere at anytime.
- Secured with SSL: Quizzes are secure with SSL encryption and utilizing advanced cloud infrastructure.
- Auto-grading: Automatically mark and grade assessments.
- Timed tests: Set up a time limit easily and allows learners an unlimited amount of time to complete assessments.
- Test-taking flexibility: Learners can navigate through questions before submitting test.
- Custom branding: Customize quizzes with school or company log.
- Public and private quizzes: Publish quizzes privately to a select group or open them up to everyone with a single link and registration page (see Figure 8).
Contextualizing the Proposal
One of the expected learning outcomes of Unit 4 include the learners’ familiarization with common methods of assessing learners’ skills and knowledge in distance education programs (“Introduction”, 2011-c, para. 8). It also attempts to discuss a variety of pedagogical and instructional approaches used in distance education and online learning and give examples of their application in post-secondary, K-12, and workplace learning contexts (“Introduction”, 2011-c, para. 7).
Concepts and principles of pedagogical approaches in distance education can be tested through an assessment tool, FlexiQuiz, via a mobile device (see Figure 9).
As students participate in the quiz at their own time, using a familiar device, and receiving immediate feedback, they can clarify areas of confusion, assess their performance against the learning objectives, and take corrective steps to improve on weak areas (see Figure 10).
Limitations
Internet connection is required for students to take a quiz. The free option of FlexiQuiz allows for unlimited quizzes to be created, but it allows only one administrator, 10 questions, and 25 responses per quiz. For unlimited questions and responses and for multimedia uploading such as images and videos, a premium account is required at a cost. It may be more effective, in the long run, to incorporate such assessment within Moodle so no external application is needed.
Challenges
Although formative online quizzes like FlexiQuiz can provide information about learners’ mastery of objectives, they may not always reflect their long-term progress. Careful design is needed to foster students’ higher order thinking skills.
MDDE 601 mLearning enhanced 