CAROLYN PATRICK

mscarolynpatrickclass.blogspot.com




EDU 225




OCTOBER 19, 2014




INSTRUCTOR JOHN SCHMAUDER




ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGY





TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT ASSESSMENT IN THE CLASSROOM
There are a few ways that I could use technology to facilitate the ongoing effort to
assess student learning in my classroom. I could use online quizzes to prepare them for tests,
google apps to improve their imagination, PowerPoints to show their creativity, and blogs to
show their accomplishments. Assessment refers to the planned process of gathering and
synthesizing information relevant to the purposes of: discovering and documenting students
strengths and weaknesses; planning and enhancing instruction; or evaluating and making
decisions about students (Cizek, 1997, p. 10).
I learned that two of the ways to do assessments are Formative and Summative.
Formative assessments are used to determine the best way that the student can learn.
Summative assessments are used to determine how much the student retained from what they
were taught. Technology can be used to support formative and summative assessments by
using interactive white boards which requires interaction from the student and the teacher.
With the use of the interactive whiteboard, the teacher presents the lesson and then gives the
student the opportunity to present their presentation. Educational assessments are based on
multiple, often diverse sources of information, much of which is typically gathered using tests.
A good example of an assessment is the process engaged in by an Individualized Educational
Program (IEP) team.
The pros of using using technology to assess student learning is recognizing that
technology is transforming many aspects of teaching and learning, and offering innovative and
motivating ways to document student learning that are adaptable to a range of students. I
believe that If students are kept up to date with technology they will be able to compete on a
nationwide level. I believe students research, investigative, and communication skills can
improve with the use of technology on a weekly basis. The cons of using technology to assess
student learning is that computer malfunctions could become a temporary distraction if not
fixed immediately. Some children have a problem of daydreaming and becoming easily
distracted to other websites. Some students have a problem with time management while
using the computer. Students who dont have a computer at home may feel that they have a
little more of a challenge when they return to class.
I believe whether or not a teacher should use technology alone to assess students
learning should be based on the assessments that have already been taken with the current use
of technology. If online writing narrative skills are not met, then technology may have to
incorporate the non-technology skills needed to allow the student to perform. I am sure that
we all agree that creating a digital presentation does not show the students writing skills. I
believe that the factors that should be considered when trying to decide whether to use
technology alone to assess skills are: will the technology allow my students and I to measure
meaningful skills and instructional outcomes in a direct and complete way? I must make sure
that the technology is age-appropriate, if it considers each childs individuals differences, if my
lesson will enhance my students learning, and whether or not I will be able to share relevant
information with the students parents and other professionals.
The importance of assessment technology in connection with ISTE standards are to
ensure that all teachers model and apply these standards for students as they plan their lesson
plans. Teachers should advance the students learning even when the student is not using
technology. Teachers should develop learning experiences that are contemporary for the
student. Teachers should be up to date on their skills with technology, so they can be a good
role model for the student. The teacher should be well-rounded in dealing with ethical and
global issues. The teacher should be a contributor to the vitality of the teaching profession and
their community.



















REFERENCES:

1.Reliability and Validity of Information About Student Achievement: Comparing Large- Scale
and Classroom Testing Contexts.
http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.
aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=36039113&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

2.Technology Based Classroom Assessments: COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDRENTEACHING
Exceptional Children. Vol. 41,No. 6, pp. 48-58.Copyright 2009 CEC.

3.Effective Teachers: ISTE Standards, International Society for Technology in Education
StandardsT 2008 International Society for Technology in Education.