Assessment of Online Learners in Thailand’s Distance Education Programmes: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to examine the significance of assessment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, synthesise the assessment processes from these periods, present guidelines for assessment during the pandemic, and explore obstacles, gaps, challenges, and lessons learnt related to assessment in distance education. A mixed-methods research approach was used, combining qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and document reviews with quantitative data from a survey of 591 students at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The resulting data was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, yielding the following findings. (1) Before the pandemic, stakeholders recognised assessment as a crucial component of teaching. During the pandemic, the university changed to online learning and assessment, and made assessment crucial in maintaining standards and fairness. The university revised and implemented educational plans and anti-cheating strategies for online exams, and improved the digital skills of staff and students. (2) The university adjusted policies to support assessment during the pandemic by promulgating regulations accommodating the change, developing exam tools, preparing for exam administration, managing exams, and ensuring that online exams were as standardised and fair as traditional exams. (3) The university upgraded its digital infrastructure, retrained staff and students in problem-solving skills, promoted academic integrity, and enhanced the security of online systems. (4) The university pre-tested online systems to improve server efficiency, developed tools to maintain assessment standards, and provided technical training for staff and students.