Online Assessment & Evaluation

This module focused on assessment and how to integrate opportunities for formative assessment using Tuttle's work. We examined the alignment of using Web 2.0 tools with Tuttle and how this information influences our decisions about student learning.

To create this lesson plan, I adapted a lesson from StoryCorps. StoryCorps has short videos and transcripts for students to view as first person accounts. While, I posted one video previously about voting. I chose the video of Miss Devine and the accompanying activities to highlight the impact that adults can have on students. I used various Web 2.0 tools, described the activities and the assessments. As well, the infographic shows the sample student work that could be produced. What I really love about this assignment is that I included 7 choices that students could have in completing their summative assessment. One idea that I have been working on refining in my practice are student choice boards. Like this article states, it is about building student agency. I have found that when students have choice in how they demonstrate their learning, they seem to want to do better.

One of the biggest factors to consider is that the learning drives the tool, the tool doesn't drive the learning. To me this means that I will choose what I want students to know and be able to do at the end of the lesson and then match the Web 2.0 tool. I will still be assessing the learning but the product may look different. I believe that as educators we can look at the fancy tools and want to incorporate them because we think that it will engage and motivate students to learn. What I know is that authentic learning comes from compelling and meaningful curriculum. The tools can be fun or challenging, like I experienced in the Flipgrid circumstance.

Another factor to consider that has come to our attention is that students are finding it difficult to collaborate with others because of a multitude of reasons. We have heard from students their concerns about lack of stable internet connectivity, embarrassment of activities happening in their homes, desiring privacy to separate school and home and the big one is that students feel overwhelmed. As we consider which tools to have students use and how much work the activities entail, we need to keep in mind all the other mitigating factors that are complicating life right now during the pandemic.

In this module, I continued to develop my skills in Domain 4, Competency 4: Instructional Tools, Standard A: Use learning management system and/or other online collaborative tools to organize and manage the blended learning environment. I had to deeply consider how students could use the individual web 2.0 tools and demonstrate their learning in an authentic manner while still allowing for choice. I feel that my summative assessment choice board allows for those elements to happen and the rubric grounds how the student product will be graded.