25 Different Assessment Types Project

Hi TEC colleagues, I just wanted to know if I could stream our presentation video to my blog. Let's see if it works or if it will be too big. Let us know what you think.

Week 8 - Are Test the only Assessment Method?

As I reflect on our last week in the course I read the following which really goes hand-in-hand with my philosophy of assessments; " According to Martell and Calderon (2005), assessment is an ongoing process that involves planning, discussion, consensus building, reflection, measuring, analyzing, and improving based on the data and artifacts gathered about a learning objective. Assessment encompasses a range of activities including testing, performances, project ratings, and observations (Orlich, Harder, Callahan & Gibson, 2004)." (Week 8 Module Reading). There is no "one" way for successful assessment of students within a content area. Successful management of assessment by teachers is more of a blending so all learning styles are effectively kept in mind for successful students. As we look at how we assess students in our technological environments we continue to find new ways of assessing students that are effective to producing higher order thinkers. As I researched the subject this week I ran across this great site: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/assessment/interactive.html which stated that, Assessment is often viewed as a process that takes time from teaching but since most students are grade conscious and will focus on learning what will be assessed, the process of formative assessment can be a powerful driver for enhancing content understanding among introductory geoscience students. Using long-term formative assessment strategies, such as mapping plate boundaries using interactive lectures, can deepen content understandings and engage students in how data is used in the geosciences. Additional assessment strategies of interactive lectures are provided in the resource list at the bottom of this page." This week reminds all teachers that no one method will assist planning for students achievement and their ability to and act like they not only understand the content but can apply the information to a effective situation.

Week 6 Blog - Technology Infused Classrooms

(Week 6 Reflective Blog)--As I reflect on a technology infused classroom I think of a classroom that has a structured rich learning environment which begins with planning and the teacher. Additionally, I think of a classroom where the teachers sets and expects high standards from all students; a classroom where the teacher models for students great study habits, organizational skills, collaborative and reflective skills through “talk abouts” (where teacher talks thorough what he/she would do if they were answering a question/etc). Technology is a core competency, however, it is not the “only” competency sought out by teachers of students. Technologies infused classrooms are classrooms that have at there core collaborative study and instructional practices—partnering with others is a key concept. Teachers insures the “whole class” concept is adhered to and student centered learning is a key concept in the learning model. Students drive the instruction and the teacher is there as a guide and conductor to ensure that the train never is derailed or gets off track.