Technology Tools for Assessment and Evaluation by Leanne Robinson, Joanne Carney, and Tim Keiper

Summary

This article discusses some of the goals of the NETS*T  (standards regarding educational technology for teachers.) First some of the commonly misunderstood terms are explained; Assessment is the process of collecting data, analysis is organizing that data, and evaluation is making decisions based on the data collected. These three steps are essential to the decision-making process. The article also goes over the different uses of formative and summative evaluations. When a teacher collects formative data, they do so as the information is "forming." As the students are learning, the teacher conducts formative evaluations along the way to help make decisions on how to teach based on how well the students are learning. Summative evaluations, on the other hand, are usually conducted at the end of learning in order to "summarize" the students performance. This type of evaluation helps teachers know what to teach based on what their students know. Finally, the article distinguishes between the assessments we use and the assessment technologies that "support and enhance our methods" (pg 4). They discuss several different kinds of assessment technology tools incuding producing and creating measures, graphing, grading, and reporting, measuring specific skills and competencies-criterion referenced assessment, determining grade level performance and making normative comparisons, progress monitoring, performance assessment, and data warehouse aggregation.

Reflection

Wow, reading through this article brought one thing to mind: Assessment block! It follows me everywhere! I think it's a sign...this stuff is important! Everything about the decision-making process and formative/summative was mostly review. But the section on different kinds of assessment technologies was very interesting to me. It's amazing how much is out there. I realize now how important it is to research the different tools available because they have the potential to make our job so much easier! However, when discussing ways to determine grade level performance the Woodcock Johnson was mentioned. I hear so much conflicting information about this test! We are trained on how to administer it and then told that it is not very reliable or valid. I'm not quite sure what to think about this test...On the other hand, I was impressed with the different internet sources given and I will definitely be looking into those!

 

The I-Generation - From Toddlers to Teenagers: A Conversation with Jane M. Healy by Carol Tell

Summary
This article revolves around an interview between EL and Jane M. Healy. Healy is an author an educator who has many opinions about the use of technology in the classroom. She thinks that computers can be useful in the classroom if used correctly. In Healy's opinion, the teacher is the most important part of the classroom dynamic; without a teacher who knows what he/she is doing, the technology is not going to do any good. She addresses the issue of teachers not knowing as much about technology as their as students by reminding us that we don't need to have all the answers! Sometimes we ask our students questions in order to cause them to think about it, rather than looking for a definitive answer. With that said, she does mention that teachers should not be forced to use technology that they do not yet feel comfortable with. In regard to technology and the child's brain, Healy stated that we know it does have an effect but we aren't too sure yet exactly how much. As educators, it is our job to make sure the educational software is really educational. Overall, Healy believes that at this point in time, technology is harming our children rather than helping them. In her opinion, it is more important to have a good teacher than a ton of technology. In our classrooms, we need to teach our students to be critical thinkers in order to be ready for the future of incredible "machine intelligence."

Refection
My mind is beginning to spin. I have read so many articles of opposing views regarding technology. Is it good or bad to use it in our classrooms? I think we all have to make up our own minds about this topic because there is not one right answer! When reading this article, I agreed with Healy on many different levels. At the same time, I think technology in the classroom can open many new windows for learning. I am worried about the potential negative impact computers may be having on the brains of children. After reading this article, I am interested in doing some further research to learn more about this. I think Healy is right; technology can be a helpful tool, but without a knowledgeable teacher, it is useless!

On the Road to Cultural Bias: A Critique of the Oregon Trail by Bill Bigelow

Summary
This article is about the computer game called The Oregon Trail. Bigelow states that it is very informational and students learn a lot playing the game, but it is very biased. Although the number of men players and women players is about the same, apparently all the players go through the game as a man would have back in the 1800's. There is hardly any references to the decisions women had to make and no concern for the women's role at all. This also can be said for African American players in the game. Although the color of their skin is different, they are treated no different than the white men. As we all know, this is far from how reality was back then. According to Bigelow, the Oregon Trail simulation is both sexist and racist. It also teaches students to be selfish and put yourself first, even if it is at the expense of others or the earth. Bigelow believes that it does not allow for any moral or ethical values other than self success. It is the teachers job to analyze these computer software programs and teach our students to have a critical eye as well. Bigelow suggests some things teachers should think about before using software in their classrooms. These suggestions include questions about social groups, earth and non-human life, and ideology.

Reflection
At first when I was reading this article, I was actually a little annoyed. I thought to myself, "Really? It's a kid's game. Get over it." Then as I read some of Bigelow's explanations, I began to agree. I remember playing games like these in school. I'm not sure if it was the same one, but if not it was something very similar. Of course, I never thought about any of the cultural biases, I just thought it was fun! Bigelow brings up some good points though. I think this game would be great for students if it allowed them to choose the sex and race of their person and then lead them through a life that a person of that race and gender really would have had! Obviously, it would need to be appropriate, but the lifestyles of different people should be expressed more accurately. We don't want our students getting the wrong idea about how life was back then.

Digital Edge Project

The project that sparked my interest the most was called Ask a Biologist. This series is hosted by CJ Kazilek who goes by Dr. Biology on the show. It was started at the ASU School of Life Sciences. Every episode focuses on a particular topic. Dr. Biology interviews an expert on that topic in order to learn more about it and hear exciting stories. Along with all the episodes, the program also provides time logs and transcripts to make it easier on parents and teachers.

I think this project is awesome! I listened to bits and pieces of a few different episodes and they were very interesting, even to me! One of them was all about the way birds make noise. It had actual recordings of really weird sounding birds, discussed dialects, and also gave information about how they record birds. This show would be a great way to take a lesson just a little bit deeper. If we were doing a unit on birds, this would be a great opportunity to show the students how certain birds sound. All of the shows have great potential for integration into a lesson. Not only are they educational and interesting, but they use interviews with real scientists which would definitely peak the students' interest!

Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age by Mitchel Resnick

Summary
This article emphasizes the creative aspect of the new era we have entered with technology. According to Mitchel Resnick, there are several important things we need to consider as educators in the "digital age". One of these ideas is that we need to stop being so information-based and move onto an interaction-based model of education. Resnick says that learning should be "an active process in which people construct new understandings of the world around them through active exploration, experimentation, discussion, and reflection" (33). Rather than using computers and other technologies as information-gathering tools alone, we should begin to use them as a medium for developing our own meaningful ideas.

In order to use computers as a "universal construction material", we must become completely comfortable with them. Resnick refers to this as being "digitally fluent...not only knowing how to use technological tools, but also knowing how to construct things of significance with those tools" (33). Pretty soon, being digitally fluent will be just as important as being fluent in the national language of the country you live.

In an attempt to help people gain digital fluency, Computer Clubhouses have been developed in several different countries. These clubhouses do not only provide access to technology, but they also help people to become comfortable using computers as a creative tool for self expression and things that interest them. Mike Lee is a good example of young man who came in as a "high school dropout" and left as an artist.

As computers advance and new kinds of technologies develop, concepts that used to be hard to teach are now at the tips of our fingers. As teachers, we have the responsibility to "rethink how people learn...what people learn...where and when people learn" (36). As we move into the "Creative Society", we must learn how to apply our creative abilities using technology in our lives everyday.

Reflection
Reading this article made me feel lucky, nervous, and excited all at the same time. There is something really cool about all the new opportunities we will have as teachers by the time we get into the classroom. The little girl in the article who made a bird feeder that took pictures was really inspiring to me! It makes me feel lucky to be going through school in 2010 and I feel excited about all the cool things I'll be able to teach my students. At the same time, I feel nervous because in order to teach my students with all these neat tools, I'll have to understand them first! Hopefully this IT class will help me gain some digital fluency!