Module 6 - Assessments

Reflection Prompt:  This module has explored the use of technology tools for both formative and summative assessment. As you think about how you will implement formative and summative assessments in the online and blended environments, what are some of the factors you need to consider?

There are three primary factors that I will consider when implementing formative and summative assessments in the online and blended environment.  Students familiarity with the technology, feedback to the students in a timely manner and the power of the group.  

The first factor to take into consideration is students must have the skills and knowledge to use the technology tools prior to being asked to use them to demonstrate their knowledge.  It has been helpful as a student in this class to have examples and models to refer to when completing assignments.  In Murrieta we have a number of teachers either teaching an online class or in the process of developing an online class to teach next year.  We definitely should consider agreeing on what Web 2.0 tools should be first used in all classes, especially for courses which students may be taking as their first class online.  They would include a common templates for Blogs, Wikis, Google Docs etc.  in addition to a common rubric for student posts and responses in discussion groups.

The next consideration is for me to develop a schedule and system for me to give timely feedback to students.  This especially important to keep online discussions groups relevant and active.  This is an area that I could definitely benefit from other online instructors experiences and systems for providing feedback to students.  

Finally the true power comes in the synergy of the group.  A discussion thread with just the student and the teacher would end very quickly.  When you add other students opinions and ideas it expands the learning for both the person making the original post and the person responding to it.  When students have the opportunity to see and review the work of other students it gives them new ideas and challenges them to rethink and expand their own ability to demonstrate their learning and understanding.