EDUC 633: Assessment Blog
Mobility and on-line education has changed the evaluation
process somewhat. Early tests and evaluations on-line were all paper and
made-up tests like those used in face to face classrooms. They could be objective and
machine scalable or subjective with learner written responses like essays and
short answer questions. Simonson (2012)
Today, as in some articles I’ve read, a new
direction taking a constructivist, problem solving, activity driven, and use of
authentic assessments approach is a real world task. Expressions are now from
individuals and group collaboration. Shen (2007) One sees both formative and summative
evaluations in the process of on-line learning. Use of portfolios, academic papers,
multi-media projects, wikis, blogs, power point presentations, and published
responses are seen as constructivist in nature and student driven realities.
Problem based and project based activities take the
lead in evaluation procedures prepared by students and teachers. Horton (2012) Measuring
growth from where the student starts to where he ends is more important than
measuring growth against a set of standards. Miller-Whitehead (2005) Peer evaluation
is a good on-line assessment tool. Zhi-Feng (2013) Collaborative projects are
a great way to involve students in active, real learning, and evaluative tasks.
Students become involved on-line with project based learning that allows them in depth investigation and collaboration of a worth while learning topic.
One other new development that is in line with the
literature reviewed is“E-fact”, which gives students a chance to evaluate
their learning half-way through a module and use cell phone . Berridge (2012) These
are power shifting devices for adjusting teaching methods for students enrolled
in a class. Another new development that is used for assessment is a graphics
organizer, putting together visuals and sound in real life. On-line
participatory exams are now being used and show high social engagement with constructivist
and collaborative makeup.
Constructivist activities in education give us new
ways to evaluate a student’s ability and knowledge using on-line technology.
These three main methods that can be used are portfolios, projects, and on-line
self and pure assessments. All of these can be collaborative.
The constructivist view that is part of the author’s
personal theory allows students to construct knowledge for themselves while
building upon what they already know. Socially, this learner is affected by all
those around him, and culturally, it involves all the tools that are in common
use including computers, cell phones, video cameras, TV, etc. To the author,
on-line learners should be assessed mainly by the methods he just relayed, as
well as, new ones being developed and the student selecting his own learning
theory.
Biblically constructivist testing is the reality
that God has given us to be the person who is responsible to use his mind,
heart and body and God,d word to develop God’s purpose.
References,
Berridge, G. (2012). eFACT: Formative assessment of
classroom teaching for online classes. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education,
13(2), article 4, ISSN 1302-6488.
Horton, W. (2012). E-Learning by Design, San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer
Miller-Whitehead, M. (2005). Why measuring growth is especially important in evaluation of English language learners, Annual Meeting:
AMTESOL, Florence, AL: self -published
Shen, J., Hiltz, S., & Bieber, M. (2007). Group Collaboration and Learning Through
Online Assessments, New York,
NY: New York Institute of Technology
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek,
S. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance, Boston, MA: Pearson
Zhi-Feng, E. (2013). Using peer feedback to improve
learning via online peer assessment, The Turkish Online Journal of Educational
Technology, 12 (1).
Hello Verne,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your video blog on assessment. I remember the days of paper tests in distance education just like traditional classroom tests. Of course, online tests are now formatted in an electronic interactive version that the instructor creates in a Learning Management System like Blackboard. Many of these tests are graded and uploaded to the grade book instantaneously when the student submits the test. I always find this an interesting aspect of online work since everyone comments that online learning is at a disadvantage because of a lack of face-to-face contact. The automotive testing makes the traditional class seem at a disadvantage because I can remember waiting a week to receive a grade in my traditional classroom tests. I too like the constructivist view. Again, enjoyed your video blog.
In Christ,
Linda
Well said Verne!
ReplyDeleteAs you mention, formative assessment seems to be a great way to assess students in a distance learning environment. Instead of always assessing "knowledge", in the technology-driven world we live in today it is equally important to assess the students skills. Formative assessments help learners to be more aware of their learning processes and provides a much more productive life-long learner.
Good luck in Rwanda,
Godspeed,
Andy
Hi Verne,
ReplyDeleteI saw that you had some annoying formatting issues with your references, so I don't feel so bad now, not that I am happy yours did the same thing as mine.
Student-driven learning has been criticized by some, but students I have known are naturally inclined to learn based on their previous knowledge, experiences, and perceptions. I love the portfolio type of education particularly, and I have done a lot of research on it. I wanted to start a charter school incorporating that approach until I found out how much money the state wanted from me :(.
I also agree with you that current and future students will expect curriculum, feedback, and notifications via technology (particularly phone), so it behooves administrators to choose technologies that accommodate this approach.
You will be in the air soon, so I pray for a safe trip.