Assessment in E-Learning: Blog
During week 2, I wrote about where I was on the SAMR ladder and where I hoped to be. I am amazed at how my comfort level with technology continues to improve. In the last 5 weeks, I have planned several activities that would move in the direction of Modification. I am excited to implement these ideas and see what comes from these new experiences. I am much more comfortable and confident with different technology tools than I ever imagined possible. I look forward to continuing to grow.
Much of this growth took place during the creation of my final project for this class. I had the opportunity to examine four tools that could be used for different assessments. Creating the activities, examining the tools for assessment, and articulating the specific learning objectives have been an invaluable experience. The growth I have experienced in the last 7 weeks is beyond comprehension. I am excited for what the future holds.
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The discussion question for the week was: “Compare the recommended assessment techniques from the readings to those that you will use (or currently use) in your own online course. What will you adjust in your course to reflect what you've learned from these readings?” I really enjoyed this discussion question. I found it very helpful to spend time contemplating my current assessment techniques with those recommended in our readings. I was happy to identify that I was already using many of the assessment ideas. It did however, give me an opportunity to improve and/or change what I am doing to better address student needs. In reading my classmates posts, I was able to come up with new ideas to implement in current and future classes.
I also had the opportunity to create a pre-course survey. I have given my students surveys in the past, but it has always been paper/pencil. I have never used an online survey tool. I was amazed at how easy and efficient the available tools are. I will definitely be using this new tool in my future classes. There were two big things this week: creating a taxonomy table and a rubric.
I have worked with Bloom’s Taxonomy a lot in the past. It is a big part of the teacher education program I completed as well as an important part of the review system that is currently in place at my high school. Although I am familiar with it, this activity helped me use it in a more efficient and beneficial manner. Identifying the key verbs and physically putting the objective/activity in the appropriate location turned on a light bulb for me. This is a technique I am going to use going forward! I also began the creation of a rubric. As a student, I have used rubrics many times. As a teacher, I have very limited experience in this area. I have previously created a rubric for homework completion. This was a very simple rubric. I have never taken on a project like in this class. It has been both frustrating and beneficial. I know what I want, but I’m struggling to put this in words – that is the frustrating part. Spending the time to word the expectations in a manner that students will understand – that is the beneficial part. This week was all about finishing our group assessment toolbox. Check out our toolbox! I was a member of Team Kermit. Team Kermit consisted of five secondary education teachers. This was my first group project in an online setting. It definitely was a new experience. I enjoy getting to investigate a new tool. I am finding that I am becoming more and more comfortable with new technology. I am enjoying being able to see my own growth! When I started this certificate program I was hesitant with every new piece of technology. I spent a great deal of time just trying to figure out how to get started with a new tool. I am now jumping into new technology with much less hesitation. I am also more proficient at starting out on new technologies. This is exciting to me. I enjoyed using a new tool and getting to read about other tools from my group members.
The most challenging part of this week was the group work. Our group had very different personality types working together. I am a type A personality. I like to have a plan and get my work done. It is challenging to work with others that are more laid back and less interested in creating a plan. It was an important learning experience. I had the opportunity to take the lead and become more comfortable with my technology skills. There were several key areas to this week's module. The first aspect that I really enjoyed was creating a concept map. I have never done this before, so the concept was new to me. I also had never worked with concept map technology before this week. I find that I am continuing to increase my confidence when it comes to new technologies. After just a few false starts, I was up and running with the new technology. Once I had a handle on the technology, it was time to start creating my concept map. I am a visual learner, so this was perfect for me! Although this map was created for me, I could see how this would be a very helpful tool for students! Allowing them to see how things are connected in this manner would help guide them in the learning process. This is something I'm going to invest more time and energy into.
The next big thing for the week dealt with our group discussion. I am new to the world of technology, so this week allowed me to read about many different types of technologies that are available. It was great! So many tools and ideas that I wasn't even aware of. Before this weeks reading, I didn't know all that was out there. Now that I am aware, I need to start finding technologies that will improve my classroom. The final thing from the week relates to our group project. I initially wanted to select an area to work on that I was familiar with. I decided in the end to pick a new technology. This forces me to get out of my comfort zone and learn about another new technology. I am not the biggest fan of group projects, but I am hopeful that this experience will change my attitude on that subject. I'm nervous and excited to plan an activity using a tool I have never worked with before. The more I work with new technologies, the more I will become comfortable. Another first for me. I have never created a blog before. I was surprised by how easy it was for me. I think all the time spent on creating my e-portfolio in my last two online classes has helped to make this a bit easier. I started the blog in the same site as my e-portfolio, so I am already comfortable with the set up of the site. I'm considering creating a blog for my math classroom. It would be a great way to summarize the big ideas for the day and a way for students to reflect upon them. I will be putting more time and thought into that.
Another aspect of this week dealt with student-centered versus teacher-centered classrooms. I enjoyed the survey. I had the opportunity to compare my current classroom practices to those of teacher and student centered classrooms. I was not surprised that most of my current classroom practices fall within the student-centered category. This would be a great activity to use within the classroom. Taking a similar survey and having students test out their knowledge before moving into a new unit. It would help students see where they are at, just like it allowed me to do the same. Finally, something I had already seen before. Our discussion question for the week was based on the SAMR model for technology integration. This is something that I have experience with in my current job. This is the same model our tech integration specialist uses. I enjoyed the refresher course on each of the steps. When I reflected on where I am currently and where I would like to go, I was so surprised with my ease and comfort. I have come such a long way with the use of technology in my classroom. I once wondered how I would ever move beyond the Substitution stage of the model. Now I'm planning activities that will move into the Redefinition category. One week of this class and I'm already learning new information! I had never used a Wiki before. That was a new experience. I started out a little hesitant. I was struggling to get into the Wiki. I finally got that worked out and things started to go smoother. It took a little time to feel comfortable, but I can edit the class Wiki. This is a tool that I find interesting, but I'm not sure how I would incorporate it into a math classroom. I will continue to think on this topic.
The readings for the week were very interesting. I had two "aha" type of moments. First, assessments measuring learning versus promoting learning. This seems so simple. Unfortunately, too many of the assessments in my traditional classroom are on the measuring side. My goal is to move in the direction of promoting learning. The second "aha" moment related to formative assessments. The idea that formative assessments should be benefiting the current students, and not just the teacher's future lesson plans. This is something I currently do. Something about seeing it stated in writing was a pleasant surprise to me. |
Welcome to my Blog!I am a high school math teacher currently working on a graduate certificate in E-learning and Online Teaching. ArchivesCategories |