Alternative Assessments Using Web-Based Tools

Today Examples of using web-based tools for assessmentsIntegrating 2.0 assignments into course designThings to think about:Which tool do I use?What do I need to consider?Assessment concernsStudent concernsInstructor concernsCurricular concerns

Web 2.0 ToolsBlogsPapersSocial BookmarkingCollaborative AuthorshipPresentationsSocial NetworksPhotos VideosMapsMashupsConcept Maps/DiagramsE-Portfolios

Web 2.0 ToolsJason Rhode’s site used for his Faculty Summer Institute presentation this past summer:

Which tools can be used for assessment purposes?Pretty much all of them!Limitations Instructor creativityStudent technical capabilitiesChallengeMatching tool with assessment objectivesAssuring that there is ‘value added’ for using a web-based tool

Exemplars

Blogs

Social Bookmarking

Individual and Group Authoring

Presentations

Mapping

Incorporating web-basedassessments into online courses

Just creating the assignment is not enough

Integrating Web Assessments into (Online) ClassesSufficient lead time so that students have time to learn the tool before the assignment due dateExplain why you are using this toolProject instructionsClear and complete instructions on what students are to doAnticipate student questions and uncertaintiesExemplars of projects from previous offerings if possibleRubric that describes how the project will be evaluated.

Integrating Web Assessments into (Online) ClassesProvide instructions on how to get startedHow to access the toolLinks to required requiredLinks for tutorials (either on the product site or ones you create)Where to find ‘help’ Create a ‘tool help’ discussion topic

Cool Tools … butThings to think about

Considerations when planning aweb-based assessmentWhat are you trying to accomplish?Learning objective, not technology, should drive the choice of toolsLearning Management System or Web 2.0 Tool?If the task can be effectively done within the tools available in your LMS, use the LMSWhat is the ‘value added’ for using the Web 2.0 Tool does the value of using the 2.0 tool exceed the additional time students will spend to learn the technology

Considerations when planning aweb-based assessmentWhich tool to choose?The free oneThe one that most easily meets the assessment objective (e.g., Google Docs vs. a wiki will support joint authorship.)The one that is easiest for students to learnThe one that students have used previously if possible (specify a ‘preferred’ tool, but allow students to use alternative if they have previous experience with a similar tool)The tool that students will most likely use over and over again, either academically or professionally

Considerations when planning aweb-based assessmentWhat is the ‘value added’ for using the Web Tool does the value of using the 2.0 tool exceed the additional time students will spend to learn the technology

More Things to Think About – Assessment ConcernsWill the use of the tool negatively impact the assessment of the learning objective (i.e., are you assessing the achievement of the learning objective or the ability of the student to become proficient with a new software tool?)Can you objectively and effectively evaluate student learning from the final product produced (If you can’t develop a clear and comprehensive rubric to describe levels of competency demonstrated by the project you have a problem)

More Things to Think About – Student ConcernsStudent concerns Does the tool fit within the technical proficiency of the typical student in the class?Is the time required to complete the project ‘reasonable’When is it too muchhttp://ocw.umb.edu/communications-studies/comstu-210/assignments

More Things to Think About – Instructor ConcernsCan I grade the projects and provide feedback in a reasonable expenditure of timeDoes tool have built-in functions that will allow me to provide good feedback?How can I integrate this tool within the LMS

More Things to Think About – Program/Curricular ConcernsMy class is not the only class students takeIf each instructor is selecting and using different Web 2.0 tools, the impact on students can be extreme and very negativeIf different courses in the same program use the same tools, students can build on their prior knowledge and produce better and more sophisticated assignmentsas they gain experience with the software.