Assessment and Evaluation

This article talks about how to use technology for assessment and evaluation purposes. The article talks about what Western Washington University is doing to incorporate NETS*T standards into our IT classes. For this reason, students in IT classes actually do what they are learning about. Also, the article talked about seven tools that IT classes at Western encourage their students to use. These said tools can (and hopefully will) be used later by the students when they are teachers for assessment and evaluation in the classroom. This article also clarified some concepts surrounding the “Assessment Decision-Making Process” and forms of evaluation that are generally misunderstood. This article also clarifies the difference between assessment methods and assessment technologies. The article also talks about the many different forms of assessment technology along with the Assessment Decision-Making Process which will be very valuable information for us, as teachers, to have when we are in the classroom someday.
I really like this article because it is directly related to me in more ways than one. This article connected a lot of previous knowledge from other classes as well as this current IT class. It was really interesting for me to see why I’m doing what I’m doing in a class. I usually don’t have the opportunity to be given such a solid reason for why I’m learning certain things in my classes.

The I-Generation

This article reminded me a lot of some of the other articles we have read, but I think it added some very good points. I like how Carol says that technology can be an excellent tool…as long as the teachers understand the computer and the proper kinds of applications. I also like how, similar to the last article, she writes that no matter how advanced the technology is, it does not have the same educational weight as good teachers (paired with small classes and a challenging curriculum). I think it is very true that we, as teachers, cannot just assume that a computer and software will improve the learning taking place within the classroom; we need to be aware of what is being used and we need to be fluent with whatever is in our classroom. I had never thought of it before reading this article, but it is definitely true that some schools just put computers into classrooms just for the sake of looking good for using technology. But I think we should be more picky about the kinds of applications that make there way into the classroom. If software is expensive, that doesn’t necessarily make it effective. Just think about all of the research (or lack thereof) that was mentioned in the article. I also really like when she writes, “Understanding the student and the learning process is the key. It isn't simply a question of whether the students seem "motivated," are having fun, and can repeat back what was on the software, but whether they understand what they are doing and can apply it in a broader context.” I think this is great because often times teachers associate learning with a student’s ability to repeat back what was mentioned, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate actual learning. The goal is to have the students obtain a deep understanding of whatever is being taught, and I think that we should work to make sure we understand the software being used in our classrooms, how it is connected with the curriculum, how our students might need it (if they do) and what will help them understand the content better. So basically, technology can be a great tool in the classroom, but it must be used appropriately to be effective.

The Biased Trail?

Along with many other people around my age, I grew up with the Oregon Trail and unfortunately, for this reason, I read this article holding on to my biases. For this reason, I do not feel compelled to talk about the direct quotes that are written in the article. Instead, I will focus my attention on the concepts. Although I agree and disagree with different things in the article, I must say, I adamantly believe that teachers should use technology in the classroom, but they should be picky about it, and technology definitely should not replace instruction. Teachers shouldn’t just pick up anything and assume it would be great for their students. Like the article says, teachers should be critical of the biases that may be presented. I mean, a CD ROM can not replace a teacher. When I was in elementary school, the students were only allowed to play on the computers if we had free time because we finished a task early. Even then, we didn’t have the Oregon Trail in my classroom, but rather I played it at home. But I think that CD ROM’s can be great in the classroom as long as they are well chosen and appropriately used. Teachers should be aware of the messages that their games might send and be critical of that. Although I think this article went pretty far, I think the underlying concepts are great for all teachers to have a look at.