The three important things that one must look at when using technology to assess in an online environment are as follows:
1. Match the technology assessment tool with the learning objective.
2. Easy to understand and accessibility for students
3. Does it measure what is being assessed?
Thank you,
Dawn
Hello!
Top three things to consider:
1. I think the #1 thing to consider is if it is working well with the students. If the students aren't reaping substantial benefits from this technology assessment tool, I think it just becomes "busy work" and loses its impact on a student-centered learning environment, which is the goal. The technology assessment tools that a teacher chooses should revolve around how well students respond to it and how easily they can use it, so they don't get discouraged.
2.Another thing to consider when choosing a technology assessment tool is how well it correlates with the objectives. A technology assessment tool in an online learning environment needs to meet all of the objectives of the class to help enhance it as much as possible.
3. Lastly, one important thing to consider when using a technology assessment tool is how easily it's accessible for the students and how well it works within the learning system. If students have continued trouble accessing it, they will not use it and negate its ultimate purpose to enhance learning.
Amanda
Mary Kay,
What a great post. When you do the work up front like you are doing, it will provide you with the assessment you need to provide students the information they need to understand their learning processes. Also, it will be the tool you will use to adjust your course to improve student learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This is a great question and I learned many useful things during this lesson. The most important thing I learned is to match the technology assessment tool with the learning objective. I am developing brand new courses for new Health Information programs at my college and I am developing assignments etc. I have mapped my assignments to the learning objectives but now plan on going back and ensuring that the technology assessment tool matches the objective. Another thing I learned is the importance of developing grade tools, such as a rubric etc. For those simulations I have incorporated into my classrooms I will want to ensure that I develop grading rubrics that are effective. The last thing I think is important to consider is feedback from both the instructor and student. I would like to incorporate this into the classroom real time rather than at the conclusion of the class. This can only be effective though if the other components measured are developed effectively (mapping learning objectives and developing clear, concise and effective rubrics).
Eric,
Treat post. There are so many variables that have to be address ed by the technology. It is so important to consider them all.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Heather,
How would you look at assessment tools for learning styles? Would you have more than one assessment tool?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1. Is it intuitive? Technology assessment is not always easy to use. If faculty or students get bogged down in the details and cannot maneuver through the process easily and quickly, it will dissuade learning.
2. Will it work on all LMS/Internet browsers? This day and age where students are using IE, Firefox, Safari, Chrome and others, the technology assessment tool must be accessible on all internet browsers. I have had to use different browsers for different LMS/technology assessments and it is very difficult to keep track of what works on what platform. This can cause frustration and wasting time which counter the goals of technology assessment.
3. Can we measure the outcomes/student performance objectively? The results need to be above average in order to consider the continued use of various technology assessment tools. Otherwise, we (faculty) are just guessing that it advances learning/critical thinking.
Eric
Karen,
Great post. You are right, You want to make sure the tool measures what you intend to measure. I do think this gets lost sometimes.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the most important thing to consider is the students in the classroom and their learning styles. The second most important thing is the content that you are delivering. And lastly the added value of the material.
When assessing the use of technology assessment tools for an online learning environment the three most important things to consider are as follows:
1. Will the tool work appropriately in an online environment.
2. Does the tool properly measure the information that is being assessed.
3. Will this tool be beneficial for each of my students.
Kimberley,
You make great points! You do have to make sure all of the components work for all the groups using it. I also agree with you that students can be comfortable with the technology so they can do well in their assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The three most important things to consider are:
1. The objectives of the course.The objectives you are looking for as the instructor should play a role in the technology assessment tool you use to see if the students are meeting those objectives
2. The components of the technology tool. As the instructor you want to ensure that the technology tool is a good fit for your course.
3. The ability of your student to use and master the technology tool. Technology tools are only effective if used accurately. Using a technology tool that is difficult for the student to master can hinder the assessment process.
Thank you
Sabrina,
Do you give exams that students can take over their phones. I have tried and didn't have much success as they are not reliable within our system. Does your institution consider a smart phone as an appropriate tool for taking an online course? Just curious . . . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Valerie,
You make such great points. It amazes me how many times I hear institutions using technology for high stakes testing and the students have never used the technology and the administrators have never tested it ability to provide "service" as the assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
What is the purpose for utilizing a particular assessment? Students’ should be prepared to successfully pass a technology assessment with the use of study guides listening to Instructors’ lectures, and attending learning labs. For instance, an online test function allows students’ to take a certain number of test attempts within a week one. Though students’ are able to improve their grade by taking multiple test attempts, they still have to review their study material for each retake which increases students’ knowledge about that subject. As for a Rubric, the highest test attempt is recorded as a final test grade. Students’ should have multiple options to access technology assessments other than a PC or Laptop. A Cell Phone is another option especially for students’ who have access to the Internet.
Sabrina S.
I would have to say for assessing the assessment tools, the most important thing would be does it work with the format? Does it cover the information I am trying to asses.
Secondly, I would have to say ease of use. Is it user friendly for both the student and the instructor? If it is a difficult tool to use, bot the learner and instructor will dread using the tool.
Thirdly, would have to be the interaction with the course program and computers. Is this something that is going to need to be downloaded or loaded via CD? Is it accessible via the Internet? If it has to be downloaded, how much space with the learner and instructor need on the computers?
Valerie Miller
Erica,
What a great post and great sharing. It can be difficult when you have a diverse course. You are right as you have to look at the success of the technology and how it matches with your course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When assessing the use of technology assessment tools in an online environment, the desired learning outcome is the most important thing to consider. Depending on what the instructor want's the student to be able to do, different assessment tools might lend themselves better to that outcome. Next, it's important to consider the likelihood of the tool's success. Depending on the teacher, student, access to technology, and structure of the classroom, some assessment tools might seem ideal, but not realistic. Finally, it's important to consider student's prior knowledge regarding technology. For example, when I taught high school, I required students to use Prezi to develop presentations. Now, working for a college, with adults from all generations, I cannot require Prezi because it might take some students longer to learn the program than it should take to actually design the presentation.
Jennifer,
You make a great point. Does it fit the environment. I always ask, do students know how to use in the context of the content. We may be just testing how well they use the technology. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sarah,
What a great post! You don't want the technology to become the barrier for student learning. It amazes me when "people" assume that all our students know technology when they really don't. Then we assess their learning using a tool they are not familiar with. Crazy. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
