What is assessment? The first thing that comes to mind for most people is the traditional pencil-and-paper examinations that were the staple of the American education system for over a hundred years. Because of their historical significance and the mindset that "this is the way it has always been done," many educators have been slow to adapt and incorporate new forms of assessment.
Research shows that traditional methods of assessment, such as multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the blank questions, fail to effectively evaluate student strengths and weaknesses. What they do is test a student's ability to take tests. They often fail to incorporate many "real-world" indicators of effective learning, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and applied learning. As technology advances, the way our students, a/k/a "digital natives," learn is different. Their world requires 21st Century Skills and authentic assessments to grow and thrive--and not the outdated modes of assessment of past generations.
Although the change from "traditional" forms of assessment to authentic assessment has been slow and gradual in face-to-face classrooms, the rising popularity of online education offers educators a new forum to embrace and incorporate modern techniques and formats. Within our toolbox, you will find a variety of Web 2.0 tools to evaluate learners in both face-to-face and online settings using authentic, "real world," and meaningful assessments.
Research shows that traditional methods of assessment, such as multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the blank questions, fail to effectively evaluate student strengths and weaknesses. What they do is test a student's ability to take tests. They often fail to incorporate many "real-world" indicators of effective learning, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and applied learning. As technology advances, the way our students, a/k/a "digital natives," learn is different. Their world requires 21st Century Skills and authentic assessments to grow and thrive--and not the outdated modes of assessment of past generations.
Although the change from "traditional" forms of assessment to authentic assessment has been slow and gradual in face-to-face classrooms, the rising popularity of online education offers educators a new forum to embrace and incorporate modern techniques and formats. Within our toolbox, you will find a variety of Web 2.0 tools to evaluate learners in both face-to-face and online settings using authentic, "real world," and meaningful assessments.