Assessing Student Learning Through Technological Means
In today's digital age, technology is revolutionizing the way we assess student learning. From infographics and mind mapping to adaptive testing and AI-enhanced feedback, educators are embracing innovative methods to make assessments more personalized, engaging, and equitable.
Infographics: A Versatile Assessment Tool
Infographics, digital tools that allow for the sharing of large amounts of information in small chunks, are proving to be a valuable asset in the classroom. They can serve as formative assessments and study guides for larger summative assessments, while still allowing for student creativity. Parameters such as word count and numbering can be set to ensure structure, but the creative freedom remains.
Infographics can be used across various subjects, from social studies to math. For instance, students can demonstrate their understanding of different angles in math by creating TikTok videos using their bodies and props. In a science class, they might create infographics to demonstrate their understanding of species, types, food chain, and habitats.
Mind Mapping: Brainstorming in the Digital Age
Mind mapping is another brainstorming activity that students can do using technology. Platforms like Popplet offer a digital space for students to make connections between different pieces of information, fostering a deeper understanding of complex topics. This activity is particularly useful in science classes, where students can visualize relationships between species and habitats, or in history classes, where they can create hierarchical diagrams of governmental officials.
Adaptive Assessments: Personalized Learning at its Best
Adaptive assessments, powered by AI algorithms, personalize test questions in real time based on each student’s ability. This not only improves assessment accuracy and efficiency but also shortens testing time. By adapting to each student's level, these assessments ensure that everyone is challenged appropriately, making the learning process more engaging.
AI for Accessibility: Bridging the Gap for Diverse Learners
AI also supports accessible assessment design, helping diverse learners such as English language students or those with cognitive disabilities to better demonstrate their knowledge. Platforms like interactive whiteboards and student response systems foster real-time engagement, boosting motivation and participation while supporting diverse learning styles.
AI-Enhanced Feedback and Grading: Streamlining the Process
In higher education, AI systems are streamlining grading processes, providing timely personalized feedback, and generating data-driven insights to inform teaching. However, challenges like algorithmic bias require attention to ensure fairness and accuracy in the feedback provided.
Authentic and Performance-Based Assessments: Emphasizing Creativity and Critical Thinking
Technology facilitates assessments like digital portfolios, model building, or oral scientific claims that emphasize creativity, context, and critical thinking—skills that resist AI automation and represent deeper learning. With AI able to handle surface tasks (e.g., grammar, formatting), assessment criteria are evolving to prioritize growth, reasoning, and reflection rather than rote recall.
Rethinking Rubrics and Assessment Criteria: A Shift Towards Deeper Learning
As technology transforms the assessment landscape, rubrics and assessment criteria are evolving as well. By focusing on growth, reasoning, and reflection, educators can foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter, promoting lifelong learning.
Bringing Fun and Excitement to Assessments
Assessing student learning through technology can bring fun and excitement to the learning process while also demonstrating what students know. Whether it's creating infographics, engaging in mind mapping, or participating in adaptive assessments, technology is making learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience.
This article concludes our three-part series on using technology for all aspects of teaching and learning, including instruction, engagement, and assessment. As we've seen, technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst for transforming traditional teaching methods into engaging, equitable, and effective learning experiences.
[1] Leveraging Technology to Support Lesson Creation and Instruction [2] Leveraging Technology to Better Engage Learners in Lessons [3] Rethinking Rubrics and Assessment Criteria for Deeper Learning [4] Interactive Whiteboards and Student Response Systems: Boosting Student Engagement [5] AI in Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations
- Infographics, a popular digital tool, serve as both formative assessments and study guides, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of various subjects in a creative and structured manner.
- Mind mapping platforms like Popplet help students make connections between different pieces of information, fostering a deeper understanding of complex topics across subjects, such as science and history.
- Adaptive assessments, powered by AI algorithms, provide personalized test questions based on each student's ability, ensuring appropriate challenges for accurate and efficient learning.
- AI technology also supports accessible assessment design for diverse learners, fostering real-time engagement, motivation, and participation in the classroom.
