EDLD 5370 - Week 2.6 Assignment - Reflection of TF-IV

TF-IV: Educational technology facilitators apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.

With the implementation of No Child Left Behind, accountability is at the forefront of education. "It requires states to establish specific goals for student achievement and to publish annual Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reports. Although the AYP concept is not without controversy, its impact on the educational community is indisputable, effecting a seismic change in American public education" (Williamson and Redish, 2009, p. 78). With the integration of technology, assessment can be done quickly and more smoothly.

What I found interesting about this reading was the adaptive computer based testing. "It automatically adjusts questions to the individual test taker's level of performance -- increasing rigor for students who consistently demonstrate mastery and identifying specific areas of weakness for others" (Williamson, et al., 2009, p. 79). Although I have never seen this type of testing in use, I think this would be an excellent way analyze a student's full potential.

One way to implement an engaging technology to gather assessment is through handheld student response systems. With this, students can receive immidiate feedback and "the more immediate the ffedback is in classroom settings, the great its impact on student behavior" (Pitler, 2007, p. 42). I have used to student response systems in my classroom when doing a review. Students like the 'game show' type feel where if they get it wrong, it immidiately gives them the correct answer.

Computer based testing is something that I conduct in the classroom quite often. The reason I chose this because of the fast grading. I use a program called ExamView and I can gather test questions from a bank, make my own, and modify those questions where needed. Students can check their answers and receive immediate evaluation of their performance. Once they have completed the test, they can see their grade and so can I. This saves me plenty of time whereas I might take almost an hour grading 25 tests on paper.

The TF-IV standard also correlates with collection and analysis of data. My district uses RSCCC which is a student information that works in several avenues. "With it, we compile all the data related to students, staff, and budget. In particular for students, this systems encompasses everything about the student and his/her schedule. RSCCC is used to submit the data to PEIMS. It is used for grades and attendance. It creates report cards and student transcripts. It contain all demographic data about students and staff" (M. Shaw, personal communication, 2009). RSCCC is also all internet based so educators can pull up information needed from virtually anywhere.

From this standard, I can see that assessing students, my any means, should be priority. However, when assessing with technology, I can see where there just wouldn't be funds available easily.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction tha tworks. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Williamson, J., Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.