Tests are Not the only Objective Assessments of Student Learning

Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

When I first saw this prompt, I immediately responded no. To help support my answer, I googled "objective assessments” with the following result from Michigan State University:

Objective assessments (usually multiple choice, true false, short answer) have correct answers. These are good for testing recall of facts and can be automated. Objective tests assume that there are true answers and assume that all students should learn the same things.

Therefore, I stand tall stating that tests are not the only objective assessments of student learning. There are many types of assessments that will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts. Such examples are multimedia presentations, portfolios, journals, movies, dramas, speeches, exhibitions, observations, participation, and many more. There is certain criteria that must be met in order for students to attain a high grade. Rubrics are the most commonly known to be utilized in this type of assessment.

If students are taught to manipulate concepts with an interactive whiteboard and answer them correctly, this is definitely a way to assess them based on their performance. There are multiple intelligences and different learning styles. That is why differentiation instruction is required in a classroom. All students are and learn different and all have different needs. I seriously believe that whoever is teaching solely with objective assessments, their students are at a great disadvantage. I would not be a happy parent, that’s for sure.

Wow! Portfolios, presentations, movies, and journals are greatly encouraged. They not only promote dynamic education, but take ownership of their own work which is more meaningful and easier to recall. In fact, I recently heard from my TCEA Region 19 technology director, that some bosses are watching a movie instead of going through a resume. These are life skills that are preparing students for the workforce.

I do want to add and clarify that formal exams are not terrible. Multiple-choice tests, true/false, question and answer, etc are still utilized and effective. They are simply not the only way to assess student learning.

In conclusion, with the multiple opportunities students are given, they are surely to reveal academic discernment. In addition to the many tools teachers have, students are highly engaged and actively learning throughout their learning. Students are learning in a fun educational environment. As a result, they want to go to school!



References

Michigan State University-Objective Assessment. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from http://vudat.msu.edu/objective_assess/.

Promethean Teacher Feature-Sharon Campbell. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbG7i_5XZlY&feature=related.

Technology in Early Childhood Family Education Classrooms. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOhb4n4ADbM&feature=related.

What does a technology-infused classroom look like?

This is rather difficult to answer based on my role as a computer lab teacher. My lessons are based on the Technology TEKS with an online program called Tech Knowledge. I feel I have a technology-infused classroom, though, I cannot say the same in relation to other subjects as much as I try to incorporate them. As a campus technology coordinator, I have a notion of what a technology-infused classroom looks like. First of all, The Free Dictionary by Farlex defines infuse to put into or introduce as if by pouring. I interpret this to be a technology-infused classroom where technology is constantly pouring. Students are constantly receiving the latest and newest technology ever to be productive in everything they set themselves to accomplish.

Furthermore, I envision this classroom to contain an activboard wherein students are highly engaged in their learning! With just this tool, students are at a great advantage. It doesn’t end here. There is this technology package the teachers have which is a cart that contains a laptop, an elmo, and a projector. This is truly a remarkable collection of technology integration tools that keep students actively involved in their education. In another corner of the classroom, there is a computer center wherein students are working on their projects, hands-on activities, websites, simulations, in essence, meaningful activities that promote long-life learning. There is also a COW (computers on wheels) available for all students to obtain a laptop and work on a project together, access a wiki or post on a blog. Moreover, technology is used as a resource in the learning process and the room is filled with resources (IDE’s Vision).

In conclusion, this makes me reflect that the world we live in is a technology-infused world. Without a doubt, technology evolves at the blink of an eye. We rely on technology very much to accomplish many of our tasks faster and professionally. When was the last time someone went to develop a film? Digital cameras provide us instant access to our pictures and are usually stored in some type of portable hard drive. This is the world we live in. It makes complete sense that our students need to learn this way. How will they be prepared for the workforce if not by us?
I am very content with much of the integration of technology in education. I state this as an educator and a parent. This is what get student’s attention and allows them to retain the concepts longer. Gooooo Technology!!!!!!




References:

How can I integrate technology into my curriculum? (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gdgUg9oxic.

Smaldino, S.E., Lowther, D.L., Russell, J.D. (2008). Instructional Technology and Media for Learning. Columbus, OH. Merrill Prentice Hall.

The Free Dictionary by Farlex. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/infuse.

What Does a Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classroom Look Like? (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from http://www.idecorp.com/philosophy/newpage21.htm.

Visual Literacy and the Internet in the Classroom

How can visual literacy and the use of the Internet impact the teaching and learning process in the classroom?

It plays a vital role in the development of student’s learning. Visual literacy allows students to learn visually with images and videos, some connected to text and some not, in many aspects (Smaldino, Lowther, Russell, Chapter 3). I, personally, learn best this way. It is imperative that students have these visual aids to assist them in the understanding of complex concepts. For example, the fingers to utilize when keyboarding are color coded and permits student’s to grasp the notion in the brain and recall it at a faster speed. Jointly with the internet, the possibilities are endless. The internet has become a resource that allows students to learn anything at the reach of their fingertips. (Smaldino, Lowther, Russell, page 183). With that said, student’s internet experience allows students to learn in a variety of ways and with diverse opportunities such as distance learning, online resources, virtual field trips, file sharing, simulations; the list goes on and on.

What are some visual-thinking strategies you would like to use in your classroom? Utilizing visual literacy in dissimilar ways such as paintings, images, videos, simulations, presentations, tutorials where one role would be to introduce/model the concept, after that, promote high-order thinking skills.

What role do you want the Internet play in your classroom? I want the internet to be the ultimate resource wherein students can enhance the taught concepts in the classroom. As an example, I teach Tech Knowledge in my classroom and those students who are fortunate to have internet at home practice and further on their learning. Practice makes perfect. This is one role that I want the internet to continue to play in my classroom. There are many more.

References

Burmark Presentation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2010, from http://www.tcpd.org/Burmark/Presentations/VisualLiteracy.html.

Smaldino, S.E., Lowther, D.L., Russell, J.D. (2008). Instructional Technology and Media for Learning. Columbus, OH. Merrill Prentice Hall.

The Role Technology Plays in the implementation of various instructional strategies.

Describe the importance of the using a variety of instructional strategies and the value they add to education of students in the 21st Century. Evaluate the role technology plays in the implementation of various instructional strategies. How will this impact your teaching of students?

Utilizing varied instructional strategies in the classroom are vital whereas differentiated instruction takes place. All students are different and learn in different ways. It complies with the no child left behind law, in addition, meeting all students’ needs. Students are exposed to different skills that are imperative in today’s workforce. It also helps keeps students vastly engaged throughout the day. It provides students some sense of curiosity and motivation being that they do not know the teacher’s teaching strategy. In other words, it prevents boredom, students being off-task, misbehavior, in essence, not learning.
Technology plays an imperative role in the implementation of various instructional strategies. It aids with visual explanations, endows a safer environment, fosters a fun, engaging learning setting, eases understanding of the concept, and allows students to develop a multitude of skills.
My students will learn the necessary long-life skills that will best help them prepare for the workforce area. They will be more aware of effective tools and resources that will aid them in their independent study/learning. Furthermore, it will promote various types of learning within many situations plus boost their self-esteem. The high critical thinking skills will allow them to be innovative, inventive, creative, and intelligent. They are tomorrow’s future.



References:

Smaldino, S.E., Lowther, D.L., Russell, J.D. (2008). Instructional Technology and Media for Learning. Columbus, OH. Merrill Prentice Hall.

A Vision of K-12 Students Today. (n.d.) Retrieved July 7, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8.