Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Technology and Assessment

One of my research interests is using student data to change teaching practices. I decided this week that there must be lots of connections between gathering , presenting, and using data and technology. I did a searched google for technology and literacy assessment. One of the interesting sites I found was to the Oregon Department of Education. They have developed a program called Technology Enhanced Student Assessment. Basically, students are given reading and math tests on the computer. The results of the test are put into a spreadsheet and teachers are able to gain insights about their students' strengths and needs from the information. (I would personally go beyond the spredsheet and create visual representations for the class and each individual student.) Using technology alleviates the need to correct paper and pencil test. It also eliminates the paper and pencil, which saves the district money! I would assume that is is also easier to compare testing results over time if the computer is used to present the data. If you are interested in seeing more, the website is http://159.191.14.139/.docs/pg/11493.

4 comments:

  1. Sorry about my google typo there! I should have re-read more carefully!

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  2. We will also be able to save lots of trees this way. Other than the site you mentioned, Moodle is one thing you can explore. Moodle is a course management tool where all activities and quizzes can be implemented on the computer and linked to the grade book. Students will be able to have instant feedback right after each activity and quiz. Teachers will be able to better plan the syllabus with pre-class and post-class activities. It's open source, but the school will have to set up a server in order to be able to benefit from it.

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  3. Saving trees is always a plus, but I think this would also save teachers alot of time, it owuld cut down on having to grade or put the paper test through a machine. All the grades are also right there in front. Awesome! Great research.

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  4. Technology is going to play an even bigger role in assessment for future classrooms. This is a great avenue to explore and thanks for sharing what you have found.

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