6.3 Reflection: Technology and Assessment

When choosing to implement formative and summative assessments in the online and blended environment the first step is to have the desired learning goals and outcomes clearly defined before considering which strategies and technologies to apply. I need to think about the skills that I want students to be proficient in as well as the content that I want them to learn. When I identify a strategy or technology that seems like a good fit for formative assessment I need to examine how each stage of formative assessment will be addressed. For example, what form will students use to respond? What criteria will be used to evaluate student responses and how will this be communicated to students. How will student responses be monitored and diagnosed?  Does the strategy or technology give timely feedback to students and allow them to correct their understanding? How will feedback be communicated to students? Does the strategy or application provide for frequent checks for understanding and can the feedback be used to make adjustments to instruction in a timely way? Does the strategy allow students to work at their own pace? I will also need to look at how students are able to interact with the technology and collaborate with their peers. A really important question is, how will student’s efforts and achievements be recognized and celebrated? This social aspect of the online and blended environment is essential. Students need to feel like they are a valued member of a community of learners. A strong sense of community helps students gain a level of trust that allows them to move beyond their comfort zone. Overall, when planning to use formative and summative assessment strategies it is important to make sure that each of the stages of formative assessment are thoroughly considered and that the expectations for student performance are made clear to students.