Module 10

         Tests - Only assessment of student learning?

  

       Tests being the only objective assessment of student learning is an idea that stirs much controversy! Tests can come in many shapes and sizes however the idea that tests assess students achievement and knowledge falls into the category fair but not equal! Students learn in many different ways and with that being said a "test" can merely fail us as teachers trying to identify the true objectives learned by a student. Whose to say students are not good test takers? 

In my district, students are certainly forced to take state assessments where they must read and write in response to text within a timely manner. If these students don't perform accurately they are held accountable for state scores where teachers are also held accountable as these scores reflect teacher performance! Some students simply can not test well and this is certainly a flaw in our educational system as we all can remember the sweat and worry that would go into those big tests that make a huge difference for districts and now teachers careers. 

How can we hold students accountable if we measure them through such high standards and accountability? Certainly it is an important step to measure students learned knowledge and to hold them accountable for what they learned however we are holding them to high by assuming "tests" are the answer to all. Tests are a great form of measurement as long as they are adapted and created to match the students learning styles and abilities.

How can a student who learns best through auditory learning master a test where they must sit in silence listening to a ticking clock counting down their time, pass? This is merely setting students up for failure! Tests need to be adapted and given in various approaches and formats therefor comprehension can be measured but through a more fair approach. 

I certainly feel that tests being the only assessment of student learning is a false statement as their are many more acceptable ways to measure a students knowledge rather than simply "testing them."

Module 6

Technology infused classrooms

Technology infused classrooms look like modern up to date devices in play daily coordinating with the current curriculum. Many classrooms that are technology infused/ driven contain technological devices such as laptops, Google Chrome Books, Elmos, Image projectors, SmartBoards, Smart Responders and more. These types of classrooms contain up to date devices that offer students opportunities to better learn academics through visual, manipulative and kinesthetic technological devices. 

Having my own technology infused classroom, I plan on allowing my students constant access and use of all technological devices offered by planning lessons incorporating them daily. The ability to afford students the opportunity to use these devices when learning makes for an engaged and interested classroom. Therefore, my own technology infused classroom will have students working in cooperative learning groups using technology offered to better understand the material. For instance, if we are working on non-fiction texts, I can ask the students to group with their leveled reading groups and formulate a non-fiction text using iMovie sounds and images to create their own non-fiction text. Also, if we are learning vocabulary, I can have the students respond to created questions using the Smart Responders therefore allowing myself to identify students with a strong and limited understanding of content knowledge through responses. 

Technology infused classrooms! 

Overall, a technology infused classrooms identifies all necessary practices for essential learning using technological approaches. These may be any of the examples listed above and can include lessons that allow various learning styles to be met as technology connects with all learning styles auditory, kinesthetic, visual, tactile and more. My classroom is already technology infused as I was given a great opportunity to allow my students to learn with some of the most modern up to date technological devices. I must admit, teaching with technology, certainly makes for a much more engaged and interested classroom!