The most appropriate and formative assessment for students using this type of technology for learning is an analytical rubric. Designing a rubric to be used as a guide can also be included in a digital portfolio that is used to store all formative feedback in addition to the student's original work. This establishes an audit history for guiding the student's revision of learning skills.
Rosalind,
I like that. You really need to have a purpose for using the media. Who would be the audience. How would success be determined. That is an interesting way to approach this.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Bonnie,
I that is a great way! Do you have criteria established that guide students through the portfolios.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would assess students' use of media hosting and sharing sites by asking questions about the sites and the information they share. I would ask what is the purpose of the site and what audience they want to attact to participate. I would also ask the students how oftent they participate on the site and what is some the feedback they are receiving from other participants.
One way I use to asses my students use of media hosting and social media is digital portfolios.
Michael ,
What a great post! I agree the rubric is the key to objective evaluation. Could you use a blog post as an assessment tool for social media?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Dr. Wilkinson,
Assessing students’ work that is posted in media hosting and sharing sites depends on the nature of the course, assignments, and the subject matter.
If they are required to develop material to be posted on hosting and sharing sites, then a digital portfolio seems appropriate – in conjunction with a rubric to evaluate the quality of the media they use; how well they address the parameters of their assignments.
If the purpose of the assignment is to research a particular topic, and discuss it in a blog or wiki, then a rubric that corresponds to the parameters of the assignment seems appropriate.
On the other hand, if students are expected to learn by reading textual materials and viewing videos online, then multiple choice, fill in the blank and short answer essays may be more appropriate.
Best wishes,
Michael Luzius
Amy,
I think you have a plan! I also like students looking at digital portfolios of others to determine quality. It is a great lesson in evaluation and constructive feedback.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Digital portfolios sound like a great tool for students to build and compile a body of work, including the use of media hosting and sharing sites. Assessment through a carefully composed rubric makes complete sense. When assessing with rubrics, I add personal comments and explanations for what’s missing so students better understand the rubric and the assessment of their work. This, to me, is a big part of learning.
Natasha,
How would you do that? Would you have a course objective for media sites?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would assess students' use of media hosting and sharing sites through the course objective.
Richard,
You could also have students to evaluate media sites using a prescribed rubric or checklist. Then have them determine what is important based on what they saw or didn't see.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This can be done in a variety of ways including, Q&A, chat discussion and providing an exercise for the learners to utilize to assess their individual learning accomplishments.
Heather,
You are right. When students have to evaluate their own work and submit it is also a great exercise. Students need to be able to look at their work critically and present to you the instructor their best work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I really like the use of digital portfolio's, and feel that is a great assessment of the use of media sites. Because it can incorporate lots of different aspects of content that you can put in the digital portfolio that the instructor can assess. From audio content, images, to writing.
Karina,
These are great strategies. Posting an example of a model answer is really a good idea. I have also posted examples of poor answers. That can help teach too!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would provide specific instructions/expectations and provide a rubric in the beginning of the quarter to help students stay on track with the assignment.
Also, I found that students learn well from "model answers", thus, I would post a model example of how to properly share sites and use media hosting.
Paula,
How would you use it? How would you use media sites in your courses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It all depends upon the activity. Using a grading rubric is usually the best option.
Andrea,
That is a sound idea. It is a great idea to have students evaluate each other's work. You would have to provide the framework, but I would definitely do that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
