6.3 Reflection: Technology and Assessment

This module has explored the use of technology tools for both formative and summative assessment. As you think about how you will implement formative and summative assessments in the online and blended environments, what are some of the factors you need to consider?

Formative assessments are key to providing the instructor with feedback on the progress of the students under their direction. Well planned out and staged formative assessments not only help to guide re-teaching and review but help guide the pacing of the instruction and enable the student to take ownership and responsibility for their learning progress. As stated in the video “Asynchronous Formative Assessments,” peer review and assessment is a “cornerstone of assessment.”  Google docs provides an easily managed venue for teachers and students to interact collaboratively providing guidance and editing through this formative assessment mode.

Summative assessments take on a refreshed view when dealing with online or blended learning. The web 2.0 tools lend themselves creatively to providing new and varied methodology to provide a whole picture of the student’s understanding of the topics covered. The ability to personalize the learning environment for the student’s experience is essential. As visually displayed in the video, “Authentic Assessment Digital Story” through the use of online tools, instructors may use online portfolios, traditional testing, and project-based learning for the student to be able to convey their full understanding of the material covered in the course. Understanding the potential and limitations of the students will help direct the teacher in developing summative assessments that are both challenging and motivating to the learner.

In considering how to effectively deliver formative and summative assessments online the factors that I found most challenging were to be able to provide instructional data in such a means that students can easily access the information for guidance as well as provide a medium in which the instructor can facilitate student learning by guiding and providing feedback. I was challenged by the devices that the students utilized to access information. However, I found Edmodo to be a versatile tool that was accessible on iPads, chrome books, and pcs all fairly equally. This tool allowed us to collaborate in groups and as a class, deliver pdf files for student access, download PowerPoint for use by all, and also give quizzes and post assignments. The gradebook feature allowed me to keep students posted on their progress as we moved through the course as well.