Objective Assessments

 

The idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning has become obsolete.  The diversity of students' backgrounds and learning styles along with the emergence of 21st Century Skills dictates changes in the way educators assess learning outcomes.  Standardized paper and pencil tests may produce data that shows learning over a period of time, but they can not indicate the depth of knowledge a student has gained.

 

Educators can create objective assessments using rubrics and understanding that there is value in the process that leads to the product.  Using a rubric can be a helpful tool when assessing various types of projects, writing samples and even discussions.  Allowing students to express themselves in more creative ways can give a clearer picture of what the student understands because they are presenting the information in a way that is comfortable for them.  Forcing students to put thoughts on paper in one specific format or fit into an a, b or c only answer doesn't give them the chance to justify their thinking. 

Providing clear learning expectations and adhering to them will result in objective assessment which clearly shows the knowledge students have gained.

Assessing deep understanding, reasoning and skill:
http://prezi.com/1x6z5piybuxh/performance-assessment-assessing-deep-understanding-reason/#

Technology Infused Classrooms

What does a technology infused classroom look like?

 

 

Classrooms today must be infused with a variety of technological resources to meet the needs of 21st Century learners.  Students today come to school with more knowledge of global issues, technology use and multicultural experiences (Smaldino, 2012).  Additionally according the Gardener's theory of multiple intelligences, individuals learn in many different ways which requires multiple resources and teaching techniques. 

 

Technology can be used to bring learning outside the classroom, create opportunities for collaborating with peers and foster critical thinking and inquiry skills.  These strategies will create an effective learning environment for all (Smaldino, 2012). 

 

The more technology available to the classroom the better.  Many classrooms have netbooks or even lap books for each student.  iPads are also becoming more popular and can be used with Apple T.V. or given to individual students.  These types of devices have multiple uses including lightening the load for students as online textbooks are now available.  Classrooms with Smart Boards or other interactive white boards make learning more engaging and interactive.  These have the ability to project words, videos, audio and interactive lessons. 

 

Technological programs can be incorporated into lessons in a countless ways.  Presentation programs, online simulations, practice games, word programs, videos and tutorials can enhance learning and make it more engaging.  Lessons can be individualized for students of varied ability levels and learning styles.

 

The look of classrooms today must evolve to provide 21st Century learners with the tools and skills they need to be successful in the future.  Advancing technology, competitive higher education and demanding job markets are continuously changing and so must education.

 

References:

 

11 Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom | Teacher's Lounge Blog | Really Good Stuff®. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2, 2014.

Smaldino, S., Lowther, D., & Russell, J. (2012). Understanding 21st Century Learners. In Technology and Media for Learning. Boston: Pearson.

Which Type of Intelligence Do You Have? (n.d.). Retrieved September 2, 2014, from Which Type of Intelligence Do You Have? (n.d.). Retrieved September 2, 2014.

 

 

 

 



Learning with Visual Literacy and the Internet

How can visual literacy and the use of Internet impact the teaching and learning process in the classroom? What are some visual-thinking strategies you would like to use in your classroom? What role do you want the Internet play in your classroom?

Cartoon from: http://www.school   portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupId=1111374

Incorporating visuals and internet resources into the classroom has a positive impact on the teaching and learning process.  We live in a digital world in which students today are considered digital natives.  They are born into a society inundated with technology and visual information.  Teachers should be using web sources to keep students engaged and encourage critical thinking skills.  Visuals should be included in lessons to appeal to diverse learning styles and reinforce concepts that can be difficult to understand. 

Currently I incorporate visuals into lessons to enhance students learning experiences.  Using visuals such as anchor charts, power points and thinking maps to support a lesson can motivate students, make content more meaningful and clarify concepts.  It is important to for students to be able to interpret and use information from visuals.  This can be done by using materials that are relevant to students' experiences and prior knowledge.(Smaldino, 2012)

I hope to be able to use the internet more as I learn more about using technology in education.  As more technology resources become available to my school there will be more online, inquiry based lessons and educational networking opportunities.  One way I plan to use the internet is to utilize an online collaborative website with ongoing discussions, apps and assignments.  Students are able to continue discussions and classwork at home and parents are able to join in and see what's happening in the classroom.  Additionally, I will be using the internet to allow students to explore topics and information.  They will apply their findings by creating and presenting free choice projects.

      http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2013-01-18/Understanding-Your-Student-s-Learning-Style-The-Theory-of-Multiple-Intelligences.asp
http://what-when-how.com/information-science-and-technology/constructivism-in-online-distance-education-information-science/aption

Smaldino, S., Lowther, D., & Russell, J. (2012). Understanding 21st Century Learners. In Technology and Media for Learning. Boston: Pearson.

Technology and the 21st Century Learner

I have seen this video before and even though it was created 2007, it is still powerful today.  Students need to be provided with meaningful, real world activities or they are not going to be engaged in their learning. Sitting in a classroom being feed information with lecturing and teacher demonstration alone can not appeal to all learning styles.  This method of instruction will often force students to memorize information that, if they don't understand why it is important, they will forget.

The ongoing development and access to new technologies in education has impacted teaching in a multitude of ways.  With today’s students, as young as Kindergarten, having access to cell phones, tablets and computers, teachers are no longer able to use technology simply for presenting a lesson.  It is now possible, if not necessary, for students to take ownership of their learning and use technology to discover, create, present and collaborate.  Students are not only able to share what they are learning with their teachers, but also with classmates and schools around the world.

Additionally, the classroom can be more easily connected to home with websites such as Edmodo.  If these types of sites are used effectively, parents are granted easy access to what is happening in the classroom.  Students can discuss what they have learned, complete assignments and take quizzes.  Teachers are able to give speedy feedback and jump in on the discussions.

Having these new technologies also requires additional responsibilities.  Students need to be taught the technology and the programs being used.  Managing the use of devices appropriately and ensuring student online safety also have to be addressed.

The 21^st Century demands students learn with advancing technology in order for students to be college and career ready.