I labeled the final project as Subjective based on the last module but now I understand it to be an Authentic Assessment. At the end of the course the students are to submit a completed Career Creative Package utilizing all of the knowledge gained in the course.
Diana,
What do you think about it? I love using screen capture software or lecture capture software. It is a way to get information to students who have questions quickly and efficiently.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The online score I work for uses many technology tools. Currently instructors are being encouraged to use "ScreenCastOMatic." This provides students with a visual and audio presentation.
Josh,
It can. You want to tie the assessment to real world situations that is what makes it authentic. You can make opportunities for authentic assessment through discussion through application or analysis of a real world situation. Try using case studies through discussion. That might really be a great way to us the assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Vimlarani,
You have great ideas for using authentic assessment. What type of technology do you think students could use to record their presentations?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my own online courses, this type of assessment has not been a big part. Would discussion boards be considered a part of this? I think that might possibly fit in because it has students presenting their findings to the group and then the peers and the instructor providing feedback.
I do have one school where the students write a paper, do a peer review and instructor review. So, that does fit in with the authentic assessment.
Authentic assessment is a form of assessment in which students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills. An authentic assessment usually includes a task for students to perform and a rubric by which their performance on the task will be evaluated. To be a productive citizen, an individual must be capable of performing meaningful tasks in the real world. Therefore, schools must help students become proficient at performing the tasks they will encounter when they graduate. To determine if it is successful, the school must then ask students to perform meaningful tasks that replicate real world challenges to see if students are capable of doing so. On traditional assessments, students are typically given several choices (e.g., a,b,c or d; true or false; which of these match with those) and asked to select the right answer. In contrast, authentic assessments ask students to demonstrate understanding by performing a more complex task usually representative of more meaningful application. I have asked them to prepare presentations and post them online on various subtopics in biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Sharon,
I agree with you. I also let students know that if there are minimum requirements, that is just a "C". There should be no mystery regarding expectations. The mystery can be the barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sharon,
Isn't it rewarding to see students incorporating their learning into experiences? It really does show growth. With students developing their knowledge and expressing it in the discussion and the instructor holding students to specific online discussion expectations, it will expose those students who are not engaged in learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
John,
When you use eportfolio, it is important that everyone is on the same page or the students don't take it seriously. The purpose of a portfolio is to showcase learning using projects that students deem as their good work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I too provide the rubric at the onset of the class. I generally do not feel that it impedes creativity but lends to clarity to the assignment. No one wants to be caught by surprise but delivering something the instructor did not ask for and the rubric eliminates the mystery of expectations.
I am always amazed at how well discussion boards facilitate authentic assessment. Students who either great at memorizing or simply good at researching and paraphrasing ideas tend to show their true understanding in a discussion. Either a misuse of a phrase or ambiguity of ideas as the discussion progresses allows me to determine who really understands the material and who is simply 'winging' it. I would hope, although I am not sure, that as the discussion progresses and the questions from the instructor become more thought provoking, that the student who only has a rudimentary knowledge of the material realizes their weakness when crafting their responses.
We have an e=portfolio for each student. I would say that it is not being fully used by the entire faculty. Probably additional training on how it can be effectively used with good time management would be helpful. The time issue can be critical. Anyone else have any thoughts on prioritizing of time?
Roland,
Many online instructors are doing it. I know several instructors that require students to complete a portfolio. It does make it easier to look at work across the course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think this is a relatively new system, so therefore has not been incorporated in to the current LMS. However I think it would be extremely difficult to apply an authentic assessment to online learning but new technologies may allow it in the future.
MARIE,
They are not easy to make but it is important to use your outcomes or objectives of your course and your expectations to help shape your rubrics. They do help hold students to the course expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
Great post! In the medical field students must apply their knowledge to real life situations. You really have some great tools in the multimedia world to provide those necessary resources.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Dawn,
I agree with you about using rubrics. They can be very hard to create and time consuming. I do find that most students use them as a road map. I typically provide a rubric the first two weeks of class to help the students as they find their way around the online environment.
Marie
Hello Dr. Kelly,
I think using authentic assessment is a great tool to implement in the classroom. I use real-life examples on a daily basis. I believe that students should be able to apply their skills in real life situations; especially in the medical field. I also use videos, case studies, rubrics, field trips any tools necessary to help the students visualize their chosen career.
Marie
Paula,
That is true, it does fit so well with practicum. You do need to establish the ground work regarding how the assessment will be evaluated.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
