Assessment



We believe that it is possible to incorporate effective and meaningful assessments into the classroom environment using an iPad device. During the planning stages, it is essential to have a clear picture of what skills and standards are specifically going to be assessed. Once those choices are made, the choice of which type of device or program will come next. There are several different types of tools that can be used for assessment purposes in the classroom.

The three types of assessment programs that we will specifically cover are polls, online tools, and student response systems. A further explanation of each along with specific examples are given on the following pages:


 * Polls
 *  Online Tools
 * Student Response Systems



The image on the left shows the learning cycle that can help to form assessments that will be effecting and meaningful for students. As stated above, the first step in the process is to define what the targeted learning objectives are that need to be addressed. Secondly, the focus should be on deciding how the measure the student outcomes through the assessment. Through the implementation of the assessment the outcomes and objectives can be aligned and studied in order to find out if the lessons have had a positive effect on student learning. Before the use of the programs on the iPad can be set up, the educator must strive to set standards, objectives, and desirable outcomes for his or her students. Once the initial information and planning is in place, the iPad device can be used as an important and effective tool.

Benefits of Using iPad for Assessments
One of the specific advantages described through this particular set of schools in, Education Week: Rethinking Testing in the Age of the iPad, is the ability to have a large amount of data in one place. Through the use of iPads for assessment, useful data is collected in an instant and can be organized and filtered through more easily. Data collection without the use of the device consists of the time consuming task of grading before one is able to place the data into a chart or graph for relfection. The use of iPad devices give educators the advantage of having assessments graded by a program instantly and then collected into a way that can be used for its true purpose, assisting future teaching and instruction, almost immediately.
 * Data Collection: **

Assessing on the iPad can give the educator the ability to better and more easily differentiate to meet individual student needs. Several different assessments can be created on a single topic fairly quickly depending upon the resource used.
 * Differentiation: **

The ease of assessing on iPad devices can provide flexibility in the frequency in when assessments can be administered. Pre-tests can be quickly done through polling or quick response systems to test prior knowledge. During instruction, the devices can guide instruction, and a post test can give an accurate picture of where the students are at the end of a lesson. More assessments can be given because the length and amount of material can be altered easily using the assessment programs described on the future pages.
 * Frequency: **

The iPad gives each student the opportunity to have their own device to display, research, and assess their own knowledge within the classroom. When the assessment process can go away from the pencil and paper method of filling in small bubbles, the student mindset of the experience can become more positive. Students are able to use their own device that they have become comfortable and confident with and use it as a tool to present their knowledge of the subject area. According to Education Week: Rethinking Testing in the Age of the iPad, students created a feeling of pride and ownership of their device as an extension of themselves. They became enabled by the assessment process, truly engaged and participating in the task.
 * Student Attitudes: **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Assessment programs and applications on the iPad can offer different forms of feedback. One form is from the device to the students in a manner that can help students monitor their own progress. The feedback is immediate and can be easily displayed through graphs and charts. Additionally, the feedback can help to explain what is missing and lead students to know what is more necessary to focus on. The second way to use feedback is in the form of teacher to student. When students are given information more quickly and more frequently, their chances of improving are greater.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Feedback :**

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: left;">Creation of Assessments
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Technology Integration Matrix for Assessment: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">According to the Arizona K12 Center website, "the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal directed (Jonassen, Howland, Moore, & Marra, 2003)."

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Additionally, "the TIM associates five levels of technology integration (i.e., entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation) with each of the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments. Together, the five levels of technology integration and the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments create a matrix of 25 cells."

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Assessment Software ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Smarty Pants <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This software places importance on meeting the 21st century skills students need to be mastering. Reports on assessment results are provided in a clear manner for easy access and understanding.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Wireless Generation <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This program offers the educator the ability to easily "meet students where they are." The tools are available in order to adjust assessments to best fit student needs.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Brainchild Assessment Software]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Achiever! for iPad is designed for elementary and middle school students and has state specific and Common Core content available. Achiever! will be the first iPad application to deliver a full range of standards-based instruction and assessment on the iPad for Math and Language arts.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">For each standard, students will take a pretest to establish their baseline scores.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Brainchild’s patented GlobalSYNC technology allows student’s work to be synced with online reports for data-driven instruction.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Brainchild, Corp. is a Florida-based company for standards-based online assessment, instruction and reporting tools helping students reach and exceed learning objectives.

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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Please continue to our next page, Polls