Assessments are
commonplace in every classroom. I am working to use the iPods to help with both
formative and summative type assessments. I use these assessments to:
- Determine Student Needs/Differentiate Learning — Students use the iPods to create work samples (Blogs, presentations, recordings), graphic organizers (KWL, Compare/Contrast, etc), and for brainstorming or predicting.
- Encourage Self-Direction —Students also focus on self-assessment, give peer feedback, and use their iPod in cooperative/collaborative groups.
- Monitor Progress — I continuously monitor progress, make countless informal observations, and check learning logs/Student Blogs. Students also monitor their own progress. The iPod allows immediate feedback. (Fluency recordings, looking up a word in the dictionary, math apps, teacher comments on Blogs etc.)
- Check for Understanding — Students also monitor their own progress.
Assessment
Examples Used This Year: (I am sure I will think of others later.)
- Google Forms/Docs for both formative and summative assessments
- Surveys/Tests
- KWL Chart — Google Form/Docs (See separate Blog entry for more details)
- Spelling Tests — Google Form/Docs
- Response System — Simple Draw or Doodle Buddy (See separate Blog entry for more details)
- BUMP — Share work and work with a partner (See separate Blog entry about BUMP)
- Blogs/NetNewsWire (Writing) — I check the students progress on NetNewsWire and give feedback regarding mistakes. The nearly instant feedback readily motivates students to make corrections to their work they wouldn’t otherwise make. (This is amazing to me!)
- Partners Work/Share
- Comprehension/Summaries/Reflections — (Student Blog, recordings)
- Vocabulary Building — (Reel Director,
iFlipr, BUMP, Blog, drawing programs, etc.)
- Grammar Work — Writing correct sentences on the Blog or in Notes. I had students add Emoji icons to their sentences to challenge and engage them. I have also had students record these sentences and get feedback by listening to their recordings.
- Self-Assessment — (Fluency Recordings, Check lists, Blog responses, etc.)
- Problem solving — Overall, working with iPods has taught my students how to become problem solvers. We all know that working with technology has hic-ups and we have to be open to solving problems. My students are eager to learn and figure out solutions.
- Completing levels on various iPod applications
- Challenging a partner in iPod app — Multiplication
Battle
Overall, I am
ecstatic to say that the iPods have made a significant change in my world and
that of my students. Proudly, I can say that my students are now enthusiastic, active
learners …fully engaged in the learning process. They no longer sit back and
accept that they don’t know something.They eagerly discover new information and gladly share with anyone who
will listen. They also wholeheartedly help others in need. I am motivated by
the changes I see in my students and so hopeful for their educational future. …I
love this classroom community! These students eagerly embrace challenges
(technological or academic) as long as they have a tool (like the iPod) in
their hands that expand their world outside of this portable classroom. Their
confidence is incredible! Watching my students grow this year is any teacher’s
dream come true. …I anticipate great things for these students in the years to
come. …I am also eager and hopeful for other classrooms to experience similar results.