Objective Assessments

  

Objective assessments are forms of questioning which leads to a single correct answer.  The most popular objective question types usually include true/false answers, multiple choice, multiple-response and matching questions.  However, paper-pencil tests are not the only types of objective assessments available to evaluate student knowledge.

Online assessments such as E-assessments are becoming a popular form of objective evaluation. An area of E-assessment that has seen substantial growth in recent years is the use of hand held student response devices. With these, teachers can carry out whole group assessments, polls and surveys quickly and easily. In many school classrooms these devices may also be used in combination with an interactive whiteboard.

Interactive software or websites, such as 24 x 7 Guru.com, can administer quizzes and give instant, usually fun, right-wrong feedback and perhaps explanations of right answers. Many of these programs can be used at both school and home.

A 21 Century Classroom -Technology Infused

A technology-infused classroom is a place of learning where students explore, question, and are engaged in acquiring knowledge through various forms of technology. Students will be encouraged to use various technological devices to create student digital portfolios and demonstrate their understanding of content.  In other words, students should use technology as a classroom tool and a resource to support learning. More specifically, technology will be used as a resource in the learning process  for information retrieval, communicating with others, problem solving, engaging in simulated activities, and making presentations.



It's no longer effective for teachers to stand in front of the room and tell students about a concept or skills.  The teacher is now a facilitator of learning, asking the student a variety of questions on various levels to enhance learning.  Educators will carefully design instructional activities that will allow students to work with the concept or skills in meaningful ways so that they process and truly comprehend the material.  Instructors can even use digitally arranged content as a part of evaluation expectations.  Technology products should be loaded in content as opposed to being focused on the actual use of technology. 

Visual Literacy

Visual literacy is the ability to evaluate, apply, or create conceptual visual representations.   Visual literacy helps children to learn to read — and to enjoy reading. Examples of visual texts include diagrams, maps, tables, time lines and storyboard.  The Visual Thinking Strategies method is an interactive way for students to feel comfortable about opening up and expressing their thoughts.  One visual-thinking strategy that I would like to use in my classroom is the writing variation or the Picture Description activity.  I would present an interesting picture for students to place in page in their notebook. The students write three to six sentences or questions about the picture and then share them. This allows the students to have a picture book with their own notes to remind them of what they are learning and thinking. My vision is to be able to use interactive blogs in the classroom and even be able to assign internet based projects as ways to evaluate and assess student progress.  I wish for my students to have the freedom to explore the limitless options and information offered by and through the Internet.

Technology and Differentiated Instruction Increases Student Learning

Using differentiated instruction, or a variety of instructional strategies, to teach curriculum is imperative in ensuring that the academic needs of all children are met. This flexibility is extremely important since curriculum is continuously modified as education goals are revised and student populations change. According to Instructional Strategies and Technology (Grand Canyon University, 2009), curriculum can be differentiated through content, process, or product.

Using various forms of technology is just one of the ways to differentiate instruction and achieve flexibility. Both teacher and student enjoy and finds fulfillment in the learning process when a variety of instructional tactics are integrated. Additionally, technology can offer a plethora of opportunities for learners to explore simulated activities that provide life-like experiences. Most importantly, the incorporation of technology not only enhances the educators teaching approach or process of transferring information (Morrow, 1995); it increases student motivation which in turn increases learning. This increase in learning can be measured or assessed by the student’s product in which students are active learners.

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A Vision of K-12 Students Today