In an online setting or a traditional classroom it is authentic assessment that reflects the concepts learned. For example, in science classes students are taught how to report measurements and perform calculations using significant digits. The best way to assess this is to have them perform the task as part of another function in the lab. Using this approach allows me to assess students on many standards simultaneously. In an online setting, I could use a virtual lab and give the students the same opportunity to use the material. Authentic assessments work in an online environment. According to Dennick, R., Wilkinson, S., & Purcell, N. (2009) online assessments can give students opportunities to use moving images, live streaming, and simulations during an assessment. There are many opportunities to present students with authentic situations that test beyond Bloom’s remembering phase and move them into the applying or analyzing phase. There are online opportunities for assessment that will move students to the creating phase. According to Everhart and Gerlach (2011),”In teacher education preparation programs across the United States, many units and programs have opted to utilize the assessment capabilities of products that often times were intended primarily for student portfolio needs”(p. 97). Having a culminating activity that blends all the learning into one project is a comprehensive way to assess learning over the course.
Many online courses use formative quizzes to motivate students and help instructors plan course material. According to Ramsaran-Fowdar, Baguant, & Fowdar (2011) formative online quizzes motivate students and keep the instructor informed concerning student progress. Online formative quizzes move students toward unit test by providing quick checks for understanding.
The virtual environment allows students to learn, test, and collaborated with peers as they go about their daily lives. To be effective the mobile environment must assess learning as students move through the course and provide authentic opportunities for students to apply what has been learned in the course.
References
Dennick, R., Wilkinson, S., & Purcell, N. (2009). Online eAssessment: AMEE Guide No. 39. Medical Teacher, 31(3), 192-206.
Everhart, B., & Gerlach, J. (2011). The perception of unit heads toward the role of online assessment products in standards-based alignment within teacher education units. Education, 132(1), 97-109.
Ramsaran-Fowdar, R., Baguant, P., & Fowdar, S. (2011). A Critical analysis of e-assessment with particular emphasis on the use of different types of online quizzes. International Journal Of Learning, 18(1), 191-202.
I am glad that you mentioned the importance of authentic assessment. In the online learning environment, course designers must be especially aware of the implementation of authentic assessment. Assessments should encompass a multitude of activity types in order to engage students in learning (Mallet, 2008). In addition, assessments must require higher order thinking skills that allow students to gain skills that are relevant to their working environments (McLinden, McCall, Hinton, & Weston, 2010). This is especially important for adult learners. As you mentioned, virtual or simulated environments assist in authentic assessment for online learners as they provide contexts that closely mimic real world situations in which learners must be able to apply the information learned.
ReplyDelete--Jillian Wendt
References
McLinden, M., McCall, S., Hinton, D., & Weston, A. (2010). Developing authentic online problem-based learning case scenarios for teachers of students with visual impairments in the United Kingdom. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 104(1), 30-42.
Mallot, D. G. (2008). Asynchronous online collaboration as a flexible learning activity and an authentic assessment method in an undergraduate mathematics course. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 4(2), 143-151.
I like your statement(s), "The virtual environment allows students to learn, test, and collaborate with peers as they go about their daily lives. To be effective the mobile environment must assess learning as students move through the course and provide authentic opportunities for students to apply what has been learned in the course."
ReplyDeleteHelping students apply what is learned is the purpose of the courses. In an online environment, properly assessing students can be difficult. When using authentic assessment this can help students to retain what they've learned. What types of authentic assessments/activities do you find most beneficial for learning and retention of information?
Thank you for sharing,
Chris
As I read your post, it reminded me of our current ISD project. We are collaborating online for a culminating project. It is assessing our ability to create DE coursework. What a great example of authentic assessment!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your comments about assessing student skills from within the context of a science lab. My first middle school science experience was in a small rural school here in South Carolina. Our Curriculum Coordinator stressed embedded inquiry skills within the course content. Our students learned to apply their skills while exploring science content. It was a wonderful experience. Since then, I have worked in several other middle schools. One district has all middle school science teachers spend a month at the beginning of the school year teaching students inquiry skills. They learn them in isolation and have less time to apply them. I see a great need to transition students to application, such as the virtual labs you mentioned.
I also agree with your statement about utilizing mobile technology. In my opinion, students will engage with curriculum more fully when we embrace the tools they consider part of their lives: smartphones, tablets, and so forth. There are even new charter schools starting with the concept of "Bring Your Own" technology. They are committing to ensure students can connect with curriculum if they bring their own equipment to school.
I am eager to see how this innovation affects student learning!
Hi Cecelia,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of a virtual lab. Just as the name suggests, authentic assessment will engage the students in experiences and activities that are true to life, as they engage in a particular task for which a particular form of assessment is developed. I am sure it would be rather engaging and exciting, and therefore, somewhat of an incentive for students to put forth the effort in participation. I found your post interesting to read. I will take a further look at authentic assessment.
Seraphine