Assessment
I currently teach a course that uses simulation software for some of the assignments and all of the quizzes/tests. In some ways it's good because it's hands on learning and evaluation. In other ways it's not a fair way to measure the student's learning. I have a lot of students who have software glitches with this program. If the software decides to act up, they miss the points. Also the software wants you to do things a certain way. If you don't do it that way, then it marks it wrong. I have a lot of students frustrated because they don't feel like it is a good measure of their knowledge.
Hi Michael - Thanks for your post to the forum. Our IT faculty set up "Tear-Down" computers with pre-arranged glitches. Then it is up to the students to find and fix them. Great challenges!Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
i find it a good thing that the computers have a glitche here and there cause they just might run into that in the field and know how it get around the problem and get the job done.
The school I work for is in process of using a simulation software for the application courses in computers. I have wanted this software for many years because it allows the student to get the terminology as well as reinforce the hands on use. I am not sure of any glitches yet(hope for none) but I am definetely looking forward to have students test using the software.
Would it make sense in your situation to have students work in pairs or small groups to take your exams? Perhpas the glitches would be reduced.
I have used a simulation software program also. It does work well for those students that understand and enjoy working with computers. However, for some it is very frustrating. I no longer use it because of the lack of computer skill and availability of computers to some students.
HI Sam - Thanks for your post to the forum. Keeping failing students motivated is the really hard to do. I am sure we have all struggled with it. Have you found any thing that seems to work best for you and your students? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I think it is important to always keep the students motivated even if they are failing.
Hi Michael - Thanks for your post! As I just said in my reply to Shannon - I agree, the best assessments usually have a variety of types. Susan
That's part of what makes assessment a tricky thing, and a good point. I don't know that any one method is really that effective. It seems to me that you would need a number of techniques to get a fair evaluation.
