**If you are unfamiliar with this project, check out my first post introducing my pilot project with LearnPads and comparing them to iPads. Assessing: 3 optionsI think it is a safe bet to say that all teachers use assessment tools to gather data and inform instructional decisions. Whether it is formal, digital or just observations, assessing student understanding is weaved into a teacher's pedagogy. With time being a critical asset to all teachers, having some digital options for collecting data can be a huge time saver. As I have implemented both the LearnPad and iPad, I have tried a variety of digital tools that can assist in gathering that valuable information to guide instructional decisions. However, the biggest game changer to date has been having a connected device in the hands of all my students. Regardless of the LearnPad or iPad, the digital tools I explain below are one piece of the puzzle to promote 1:1 learning environments. Option 1: SocrativeWhether Socrative for IOS or for Android, this tool allows you to create a digital classroom to collect feedback from students. Students do not have to register. They simply type in the virtual room number of their teacher's classroom. You can create multiple choice, true/false or even short answer assessments. One nice feature is the ability in add pictures to your questions. You can give quizzes in self or teacher paced modes. It is a very simple and intuitive user interface for creating and administering assessments. You can even share your created assessments. A popular feature is running assessments in "Space Race" mode which creates a little competition. When assessments are completed, you can choose to email the report or even save it as an Excel file. Socrative works on almost any connected device. Option 2: Exit TicketExit Ticket is a new tool that I have only recently started using. There is an IOS as well as Android version of the app. The more I use this tool the more I love it. It's user interface for the teacher is a little more complex than Socrative. However, it is very feature rich and customizable based on your needs. Below is a screenshot of a completed assessment. One amazing option of Exit Ticket is the ability to view the same information below in real time as the assessment is being administered. Much like Socrative, you can set up multiple choice, true/false and free response. Socrative allowed you to insert images with your questions. However, Exit Ticket not only lets you insert images with your questions but also with your answers as well. Option 3: Google forms + FLubarooFlubaroo is a script that auto checks submitted Google Forms. This is definitely a prime example of working smarter and not harder. Google Forms allows you many options for creating assessments. You can add videos, images, multiple choice, short answer and more for your questions. You can even have multiple pages and create actions based on how a student answers a question. So if a student answered one question incorrect, you could have it take them to a second page with some similar questions to provide some alternative options to demonstrate their understanding. We have used this combination for the entire school year. Students watch the daily math lesson and then take a quiz via Google Forms. I run the Flubaroo script which auto grades the quiz. From this information, I am able to group students in math based on their needs according to the Google Form assessment. IN CLOSING These three options are great digital assessment tools to add to any teacher's toolbox. Just like any piece of tech, there is no Swiss Army knife application that does it all. I use a combination of Google Forms/Flubaroo and Exit Ticket based on the skills and curricular areas I want to assess. As I mentioned earlier, I think these three tools help reinforce the benefits of student learning and teacher pedagogy in a 1:1 environment. Not that this couldn't be done in environments that are not 1:1, but the ability to gather real time data puts those classrooms at an advantage when implemented with integrity.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Andrew FenstermakerInstructional Technology Coordinator | Innovation Coach | Google Certified Innovator | Presenter | Blogger | Adjunct @UiowaEducation | Owner @kids_f_i_r_s_t |