Reflections+on+Standard+IV

**Reflection on Standard IV: Assessment and Evaluation**

As I read chapter 4, I realized that at our district in the elementary level we do not use much technology as a means for assessment or evaluation. Technology Facilitator Standard IV states, “Educational Technology Facilitators apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.” I learned many ways technology may be used in the classroom for formative and summative assessments. I especially learned that assessments are much more useful when used as formative assessments to provide immediate student and teacher feedback. “Some of the most engaging and efficient CBT products include handheld student response systems, adaptive testing, and online standardized test administration.” (Williams & Redish, 2009). When benchmarking at our campus we use answer scan sheets to provide teachers and students quick feedback on the results of their benchmark scores. The system also analyzes the data and provides information on all Objectives for every student. This provides teachers with information of what objective needs to be re-taught and which students may need tutoring prior to the next benchmark. I also learned that as a technology facilitator I must create assessments that will measure students’ proficiency in technology literacy. Williams and Redish point out that, “They (technology facilitators) move the vision for technology-supported assessment and evaluation into practice and help others do the same.” Students should be tested in their technology skills and knowledge to ensure that we are preparing them to succeed beyond high school.

The performance indicators for this standard all revolve around the use of assessments for different reasons. TF Standard IV-A. states, “Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.” The tasks focus on technology facilitators modeling and helping teachers, use technology tools to improve learning and instruction through different assessment techniques. In our class EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology, we learned and utilized technology in many ways for formative and summative assessments. We learned that clickers might be used in discussions to provide immediate feedback on student comprehension of the concepts taught. We also learned to provide students with choices to assess their learning allowing for different learning styles. The performance indicator TF Standard IV-B. states, “Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.” As a technology facilitator, I must learn to collect data, analyze it, and provide results to teachers and administrators. Currently, when we benchmark teachers collect answer scan sheets and our principal runs them through a system that provides us with scores and analysis of results. We then review the results and use them to guide us with re-teaching and students that may need tutoring. I am aware that at the Middle school level our teacher use clickers as a means for formative assessment. In my opinion, we must expand this to provide teachers with other technology tools for assessments that will provide teachers with quick feedback, for example on-line assessments. Finally, the last performance indicator TF Standard IV-C. states, “Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students’ appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.” As a technology facilitator, I must assist teachers in using research-based strategies that will evaluate students’ use of technology. I must also examine and apply results of research projects related to the specific use of technology in K-12. At this point in the elementary grade level, we do not assess the students’ skills and knowledge of technology. As a technology facilitator, I would ensure that the proper assessments are in place to determine students’ use of technology.

What puzzles me is why the federal or state government has not pursued laws that will compel districts and campuses to start student assessments related to the use of technology. This may also help to integrate technology into the curriculum and ensure that our students are prepared once they graduate high school. In my opinion, technology plays an important role in student readiness and we must make certain that students are provided with the necessary skills to succeed. The questions I have are; What laws is the federal government working on to promote the integration of technology in the curriculum? Will state assessment be provided that will assess students’ level of technology skills and knowledge? These issues concern me because of the importance of technology in today’s society and preparing our student for success.

**Reference:**

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, pp. 77-99.