Assessments and Technology

As a teacher of the 21^st century, I understand that objective tests are well suited to test knowledge level learning, as well as higher-order thinking (Truog, 2010).  However, objective tests do not measure student performance and do not provide information about student abilities. In the 21^st century, students need to be able to do more than answer questions on a test.  They need to know  how to use their knowledge and skills by thinking critically, applying knowledge to new situations, analyzing information, comprehending new ideas, communicating, collaborating, solving problems, and making decisions (Salpeter, 2003). 

Traditional approaches tend to lead to traditional conclusions and outcomes (Truog, 2010).  If we want different results it will require different methods of teaching and assessing. To prepare students for the 21^st century we must replicate experiences of the real world within our teaching. As common as assessment seems to be today, it is an evolving and challenging topic that needs further revision and improvement to better prepare students with 21^st century skills. As Salpeter (2003) mentioned, teachers should move beyond standardized testing as the sole measure of student learning; by balancing traditional tests with classroom assessments to measure the full range of students' skills; and using technology-based assessments to deliver immediate feedback.

How would you rather be assessed?

With traditional assessment or...



Digital Storytelling, which combines images, video clips, music and audio to relay a story.

 

Salpeter, J. (October 15, 2003). 21st Century Skills: Will Our Students Be Prepared? Retrieved on November 16, 2010 from http://www.techlearning.com/article/13832
 Truog, A. (n.d.). Students' reactions to performance-based versus traditional objective assessment. Retrieved on November 16, 2010 from http://faculty.valencia.cc.fl.us/development2/curriculumSecure/assessment/v7n8.html

Technology Infused Classroom

In the 21^st century, it is integral to have a technology-infused classroom. We do not have to watch futuristic movies to imagine what a 21^st century classroom looks like! You should be able to walk into any classroom and see the teacher facilitating learning and the students are actively engaged. The teacher and students are utilizing various technologies as tools that will enhance what they are expected to learn.  The students are using technology to research information, communicate with others, make presentations, play educational games and participate in simulations.

As a 21^st century teacher, I promise to provide my students with a technology-infused learning environment. A student centered classroom, where they are able to learn about a concept using resources other than myself or their textbook. I promise to create a variety of instructional activities that will allow my students to use technology to communicate, collaborate and produce quality learning experiences that demonstrate understanding.

Explore the possibilities of integrating technology in your classroom with Discovery Education's United Streaming.

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Technology Integration in a 21st Century Classroom

Check out these videos A Vision of 21st Century Teachers and A Vision of K-12 Students Today both assist in understanding the importance of integrating technology from the teacher's and students' perspective.

Visual Literacy and the Internet

In the 21^st century, we live in a very visual and digital world, therefore incorporating visual literacy and the Internet in the classroom will only enhance the teaching and learning experience. Visuals provide students with a deeper understanding of the text. The Internet is a medium to find various real world images, as well as a plethora of information that will allow students to apply their previous knowledge to construct new understandings.

Currently, I implement a few visual literacy strategies in my classroom such as Power Point to present new information; K-W-L and flow charts to help students make connections and organize their thoughts; an assortment of graphs, as well as political and physical maps.  However, I would still like to explore student created web pages, interactive movies, and graphic novels.

In my classroom, I use the Internet as a teaching tool. It allows my students to explore beyond the classroom walls and provides resources that extend beyond me. Presently, we use the Internet to research information, view educational videos, and play interactive games. As a 21^st century teacher I am considering using the Internet to communicate, collaborate, and publish through email, web pages, and blogs. As I learn more about how to successfully implement these tools I am more than willing to try!

·         Check out this video, Learning in the Digital Age, that my classmates Jeffery Faerber, Stacy Marr, Nicole McGowan, Melissa Padgett, and I created about visual literacy.

If you are a teacher in the 21st century make sure you don't get left behind! Make sure that you are prepared to prepare your students for the 21st century!!!

Instructional Strategies and Technology

It is important to use a variety of instructional strategies, because each student’s style of learning is different.  Consequently, the teacher’s method should vary throughout the lesson to reach each student in the classroom. A teacher can help students take in and retain information better, by identifying the way students learn. Even though a student may have one preferred way of learning, they can benefit from the teacher presenting information in various ways. A teacher that does not take the time to differentiate instruction and tap into the multiple intelligences of the classroom is not providing all students in the class with a quality education.

Technology can motivate students, encourage curiosity, promote higher order thinking and problem- solving skills, and enhance any instructional strategy. Students of the 21^st century love technology and they are intrigued by its possibilities. Teachers who implement technology in their lessons already have the advantage of capturing their students’ attention. As a 21^st century teacher, I will strive to find more ways to incorporate technology so that my students have the upper hand in their educational endeavors and future careers!

• Check out this link, Instructional Technology, for a list of sites that promote technology in the classroom.
• Here is a picture of my students using our Promethean board:
  

  
• Here is a video about Integrating Technology in the Classroom, using a Promethean  board.

Classroom Innovation: The Role of Teachers in the 21st Cent.