Thoughts and Observations about Assessment Tools
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I decided to get my specialist degree in instructional technology to improve my teaching practice and support 21st Century learners. Before this module, I did not know how the power of technology could take a dull assessment and transform it into a fun and engaging formative assessment. The part that wows me about using Web 2.0 as an assessment tool is the fact that it gives teachers meaningful results within seconds.
The readings and videos in this module have helped me to look at assessments differently. I always knew how important it was for educators to use formative assessments to check for students understanding and to adjust instruction. However, it wasn’t until I viewed the video, 3 Tips for Great Formative Assessment by Common Sense Education, that I learned some pretty powerful things about formative assessments. One, great formative assessments starts with a quiz. Two, teachers should facilitate a critical discussion following the quiz. Lastly, teacher should get students to create questions telling what they need to know or want to know more about (Common Sense Education, 2016; “Make Formative Assessment More Student-Centered”, 2018). This will not only bring in components of the 4 C’s, but it will also help students own their learning.
The readings and videos in this module have helped me to look at assessments differently. I always knew how important it was for educators to use formative assessments to check for students understanding and to adjust instruction. However, it wasn’t until I viewed the video, 3 Tips for Great Formative Assessment by Common Sense Education, that I learned some pretty powerful things about formative assessments. One, great formative assessments starts with a quiz. Two, teachers should facilitate a critical discussion following the quiz. Lastly, teacher should get students to create questions telling what they need to know or want to know more about (Common Sense Education, 2016; “Make Formative Assessment More Student-Centered”, 2018). This will not only bring in components of the 4 C’s, but it will also help students own their learning.
Effective Ways to use Web 2.0 Tools
The two tools that I discuss explicitly in the Screencast below are Plickers and Kahoot. I think Plickers and Kahoot are incredible because they allow teachers to check for understanding quickly. They are also engaging and allow students to review concepts and skills differently. Furthermore, they aid students in using problem-solving skills. Teachers could use Plickers, Kahoot, and other Web 2.0 tools to assess students from pre-assessments, quizzes, surveys, to tickets out the door, the possibility is endless. However, teachers need to make sure that the data they are collecting is going to aid them in modifying their instruction and meet the needs of each individual student.
I am so excited about these tools that I have already created two lessons next week that incorporates Plickers. It is safe to say that I am building and supporting digital learners with these assessment tools.
I am so excited about these tools that I have already created two lessons next week that incorporates Plickers. It is safe to say that I am building and supporting digital learners with these assessment tools.
Initial Experience with Screencast-O-Matic
The first time that I used a screencasting device was back in July. I was forced to use Jing. To me, Jing was not very user-friendly. Back in the fall, I asked one of my friends in the M. Ed program if she had ever used a screencasting device and she told me about Screencast-O-Matic. With one use, I loved it because it was simple to record and easy to upload onto YouTube. I have to admit, today I was not feeling the love of Screencast-O-Matic. After recording my video (a few times), I finally uploaded it to YouTube and realized that I did not answer one major question. It was too late to edit, and because I did not want to have to deal with that problem again, I decided to upgrade my plan. The solo deluxe plan includes more extended recording options, drawing tools, green screen filter, and so much more.
Ideas for Using Screencasting in my Classroom
I would use screencasting in my classroom for the following:
My capstone project is on station rotation, which is a form of blended learning. In this model, students will rotate through stations on a fixed schedule, working on skills to improve their writing. Using screencasts would be the perfect solution to present information to my students in my blending learning classroom.
- to explain an assignment to a student who has missed school
- tell how to do a complicated procedure
- to review materials
- to hook students to a new skill or concept
- to teach a lesson
My capstone project is on station rotation, which is a form of blended learning. In this model, students will rotate through stations on a fixed schedule, working on skills to improve their writing. Using screencasts would be the perfect solution to present information to my students in my blending learning classroom.
References
Common Sense Education. (2016, July 12). 3 Tips for Great Formative Assessment[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5yRhyIeFI
Make Formative Assessment More Student-Centered. (2018). Retrieved January 26, 2019, from https://d1e2bohyu2u2w9.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/tlr-asset/document-twt-cheat-sheet-checks-for-understanding-081916.pdf
Common Sense Education. (2016, July 12). 3 Tips for Great Formative Assessment[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5yRhyIeFI
Make Formative Assessment More Student-Centered. (2018). Retrieved January 26, 2019, from https://d1e2bohyu2u2w9.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/tlr-asset/document-twt-cheat-sheet-checks-for-understanding-081916.pdf