Assessing with Technology

Assessment.  We just can't avoid it.  Here are some quick thoughts to think about in regards to using technology to aid with assessment.

Pros:

• Fast and efficient
• Computers can provide instant feedback for multiple choice, fill in the blank, true/false questions and more with little to no error
• Can save time for the teacher
• Technology can be used to create portfolios, take pictures of student work, keep exemplars for future use and more
• Allows for feedback
• Both teachers and students can easily provide timely feedback using tech tools (voice recordings, comments, video etc)
• Results can be shared with parents
• Teachers can easily use technology to share student work with parents via email or other tools
• Open communication is essential for parents to stay in the loop of their child's learning

Cons:

• Cost - schools have to have technology available (iPads, voice recorders...)
• Teacher needs to be familiar with the technology/resources
• This can be frustrating for teachers who do not have the training needed to use technology effectively
• Students may disregard the need for improvement if they see the project as finished once it has a final grade attached and forget about it and move on

Questions to consider before assessing with technology:

1. What is it that is being assessed?
2. Does technology allow this to be effectively assessed?
3. What benefit does using technology to assess provide in this case?

Check out this really neat video about a high school teacher using cell phones to get a quick glimpse of her students' understanding.  It's important to remember that assessment should be ongoing and used to drive student learning and not just left as a summative task at the end!