I think 3 of the most important things to consider when using the assessment tools online is whether or not it's user-friendly. Sometimes these tools are a bit complicated which makes it frustrated for the user. Another thing to consider is if these tools are capable to the user's computer. Last I think it's important to know whether or not the user is clear on the expectations. As online instructors we have to work independently and that's sometimes a barrier when no one is around to answer questions.
Jonida,
Yes, but why would they not? I am continually surprised at students who register for online courses without access to technology then want accommodations regarding their work. This is a barrier to learning!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Thank you Dr. Wilkinson for your feedback.
I agree with you Nicole. If the student does not have the equipment to use the online assessment tools then he will not benefit from them.
Raouf ,
tT is important to make sure that you do get the proper feedback. It is so important to make sure it assesses what it is suppose to assess. Assessing technology assessment tools is more complex if done right.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
How awful for a student who may have anxiety about a test then not have the software or application that works. We as instructors must do our homework regarding the technology and even that can come back to "bite" us.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
I agree with you. You want to make sure students are comfortable with the technology. It amazes me how many of our high stakes tests are given with technology students have never used. Oh the anxiety!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Dr. Wilkinson ,
There are many technologies designed assessment in an online environment. Some of them are Digital Portfolio, Online Quizzes and Tests and Virtual Labs and Simulations.
Each of these tools must be assessed by the instructors to make sure the selected method is effective to use and consistency in assessing student learning.
Instructor must ensure whether or the technology assessment tools helped the him/her in providing meaningful feedback to the students.
When selecting specific technologies, it is very important to ensure the technology can function accordingly. Selecting the proper technology tool and understanding its function before attempting so create an assessment is essential, to make certain students can access the assessment and receive proper feedback in a timely fashion.
As technology tools help in the assessment process, it is important to identify the pros and cons for each type of tool. Without doing so, the wrong tool may be chosen and the assessment process becomes overwhelming or does not produce the necessary feedback.
When the instructor review the course learning outcomes/objectives, the assessment type should match the learning outcome/objective of the course.
Dr. Raouf Moussa
Hi Jackie,
I agree with you, this can be extremely frustrated for student when equipment is not working properly. I have used Medisoft in the past .The IT department had to download and upgrade the software on a regular basis; which was not beneficial. The school administrator finally made the decision to get rid of it due to errors.
Marie
When selecting specific technologies to create quizzes, tests, or performance assessments, it is necessary to ensure the technology can function accordingly. The instructor must understand the function of the tool before creating an assessment. This is essential to ensure students can access the assessment and receive proper feedback in a timely fashion.
Marie
Eric ,
That is a great post. You make a great point about layout of the interface. It is amazing to me that we give tests online to students who never have taken a test online, students do need to be familiar with it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When evaluating technology tools for use in online courses, there are three key factors to keep in mind:
1) Accessibility: Are the students able to easily access whatever the tool is? For example, if you require that tests or quizzes be taken online, does your program provide either internet capable devices for the students, or school facilities the students can use to access the tech?
2) Lay-Out: Is the tool laid out in a logical, user friendly way? Are buttons or tabs easy to find? Is it clear when an action is selected or submitted?
3) Timely feedback: This may be the most crucial requirement. If a student takes an online quiz and fails, or there are signs that the material is not well understood, how soon will they, and more importantly the instructor know, so that the situation can be addressed, and the student can get assistance if needed? The faster the feedback, the better!
Alice,
You are right on point with your post. I agree with you, you don't want them to be surprised with the technology. You also want to make sure you can get the information you need to assess student learning abilities.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the most important thing is, does the student have full access to this technology AND if so, are they familiar with it's use? If the student doesn't have access, it will be quite difficult to use it.
The second thing about technology is to consider if it will work for the different intelligence for learning exhibited by your students. I understand it would be impossible to get to every student, however, I do feel the technology should work for as many students as possible.
The third thing I feel that should be considered, and perhaps this a small thing, but I feel it is a big thing, the instructor should be familiar with this technology and able to troubleshoot basic challenges.
I realize that maybe these aren't the top of everyone's list, but they are important to me. Is there a better list for others?
Kurt,
You make a great point. The tool has to match the assessment which should match your objectives.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
First is the type of assessment I am trying to achieve. Matching the right tool for the way I want to assess the student is important. Next is the quality of the assessment. There are poor and great materials such as simulations. Using a poor one does not achieve my objectives and certainly doesn't help the student. Finally, the features of the assessment tool will make a big difference. Some of the tools simply do no have the features I need to adequately perform the desired assessment.
Kurt
Sharon,
That is true, you don't want the assessment to measure how well they use the technology, you want it to measure learning. That can be a problem.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Aaron,
I agree with you so how do you use the technology to make this happen?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Heather,
Great post. You are right. The technology MUST support the objectives of the course. Sometimes we lose sight of that because the technology is "shiny".
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important to assess that the technology is current and working well and that users are willing and able to use the technology.
Sharon
