Carolyne,
Great post, there is always time involved in good assessment. We haven't always given it time though.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Janis, I agree that technology assessment tool should be user friendly. With your experience with simulation project did you have to spend more time assisting the students to learn and understand the concepts of simulation projects. When you refer to time sensitive can you expound a little on the topic? Thanks for sharing.
Susan, yes I do agree that ease in using the technology assessment tool is quite important when using technology assessment tools in an online learning environment. It is important that we do not lose the students over the lack of not understanding tech tools. Thanks for sharing.
It is my opinion that the three most important things to consider when using technology assessment tools in an online learning environment:
First, as the instructor, coach, facilitator it is imperative that we know and understand the technology tools we introduce to the students. Do we know how to use the tools we plan to introduce to our students? We must become familiar with technology assessment tools, before we pass it on to the learners.
Next, we need to ensure that the students actually know how to use technology assessment tools in an online learning environment. It has been my experience that we assume that students know what they don’t know. It is important that we review the basics with students to avoid major problems in the future.
Finally, when we have allowed the students to become comfortable with using technology assessment tools then we can measure the success level on how well the instructor has presented the material to the learners as well as, evaluate the technology to ensure that tools used are effective for the class being presented.
1. The function of the technology assessment tool and how you want to use it. Is it used to show growth in learning, provide feedback to students, imitate real world activities, invoke critical thinking skills,or provide instruction.
2. Difficulty/time required by the instructor in creating the assessment tool, and ease of learning/using the tool by the students.
3. Grading and feedback of the technology assessment tool used. Grading critical thinking skills would require more time than graded a T/F, Multiple Choice assessment tool or using a simulation assessment tool, which is graded for the instructor.
Melissa,
What a great post! I like your last comment that the tool will enhance the overall learning experience. That is so true.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When assessing the use of assessment tools the three things I think are most important to consider are:
Is the tool the best choice of assessment? (sometimes we choose tools that are less effective than others. For example, in an oral communication class students could be given an online exam to assess learning; however, posting of a video recoded speech too a virtual portfolio might suit the skill more effectively)
Is the tool easy enough to use that it will not distract student learning and/or give a poor representation of what the student knows?
Will using the tool enhance the overall learning experience for the student?
Thanks! ~Melissa
Aubrie,
I like the point you make about the visual aspect of technology. That is interesting.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
You make great points. The assessment tools must be able to do all three points.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ease of use for both the student and instructor is important. It is also important that the tool provides away to communicate visually as well as verbally. Last but not least, the tool must provide an added value that other assessments do not provide.
First make sure the student can operate the on-line assessment.
Second, make sure student knows what is expected.
Third, student/Instructor feedback.
karen,
Right, we all know what ASSUME means! :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
karen,
You are right! All three of your items are so important to have successful assessment of tools.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
agree//we often assume that using online tools is already known by our students..this may not be the case..so students need to feel comfortable as well.
1. Clarity in assessment...definitions, requirements, method of grading
2. timeliness in assessment and feedback
3. quality feedback.
Hector,
Great post. I think you make a great point regarding the implementation without a huge amount of disruption. That is important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my opinion, the three most important things that I consider how can the tools be implemented into the classroom w/o huge amount of disruption. I also look at the effectiveness of the tool, and its reliability. Lastly, I review its overall quality.
Beth,
Great post! You don't want the technology used for assessment to be a barrier to learning. Also, it is important to provide feedback to the student and maybe ask the student for their assessment regarding the technology. They will give it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When accessing the use of technology assessment tools in an online learning environment, important things to consider are:
1. The level of technical ability of the students to utilize the tools available
2. Identifying the appropriate tools for assessment, taking into consideration the different learning styles of the students
3. Providing adequate feedback to the student
Cindy,
You make such an important point. Assessing the tool regarding student feedback. That is the only way students improve!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
