Blog 7.......

How can technology be used for presentation of content and assessment of learning?

Technological tools use for presentation are many. Some examples of those are included on this list: http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/05/list-of-20-free-tools-for-teachers-to.html

With many advances in how technology can be used, many presentation tools have now become engagement tools where student participate. For example, Nearpod, is a presentation tool similar to a Powerpoint. Not only does the teacher present the material, students also participate on their own devices where they presentation is also on their screen. Students then can fill out surveys, complete quizzes, and draw pictures. The teacher controls what each student can see on the computer and is participating with the teacher every step of the way.

Other presentation tools to deliver content include video. There are now many video applications that can deliver content. Educators also have the ability to upload their own videos for student to watch and retrieve that information online. Some of these tools are Educreations and ExplainEverything App. Both of those applications give teachers an easy medium to create content related videos for students. 

Technology is now being used for assessment more than ever. Student results are now instantaneous and can be analyzed and compared easily. Of such tool our school uses is Mastery Connect. Mastery Connect is an assessment tool that also maps the entire curriculum. Each map breaks down into an easy to read format that teachers, parents, and students can read. Results can be analyzed against other classes to see trends among students and teachers. 

A quick assessment tool I have utilized in my classroom is the Plicker app. Plicker is a quick assessment tool where students hold up cards in response to questions. A tablet or phone can be used to quickly scan cards and results are immediate. This is a great way to survey students or to give a quick exit quiz on a topic. 

How can you implement project-based, authentic, technology-based assessment and still prepare students for standardized testing?

Project-based learning is a great way to assess students and also creates an authentic real world application of content. As we have developed our own scope and sequence, I have realized my lack of integrating project based learning in my teaching. All too often we are consumed with passing the standardized test and that is all we practice. I think careful planned projects will incorporate critical thinking and problem solving skills what will transfer over to standardized testing. As SAGE testing implements different DOK levels within assessment, project based learning will perfectly compliment and tie in with those questions. edutopia.org (http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning) Describes this perfectly, PBL requires students to dig deeper into the content beyond rote memorization. PBL learning makes learning relevant for students and ties to real world applications.