Jan
30
Today’s issue of Education Week has an article on technology literacy assessment in which they discuss the federal goal that was written into NCLB, as well as the way states have approached meeting this goal. They mention two assessment providers involved in creating technology literacy assessments, and they discuss two different states’ approaches (Arizona and Florida). As you may know, the New Hampshire approach to assessing 8th grade technology literacy is to allow local districts to “provide opportunities for students to demonstrate ICT competency by the end of 8th grade using assessment rubrics applied to the contents of digital portfolios” (Ed 306.42).
Although the EdWeek article emphasizes the use of tests to assess technology literacy, this has not been the emphasis in New Hampshire. Our current ICT literacy standards place more emphasis on an integrated instructional approach to help students effectively and responsibly use “21st century tools within the context of the core subjects.” So instead of using a test to assess their competency, New Hampshire schools are learning to assess students’ work contained within digital portfolios. This gradual change in the way we integrate technology can sometimes tax our already full plates, yet many NH educators have embraced the portfolio concept as a natural next step.
What do you think? Should we just have another test — this one to show what our students can and cannot do with technology? If we had a test, what would we do with the results? Would it change the way we use technology in the classroom? When would we test? If we had a choice, would we choose assessment tests over assessment portfolios?
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6 Responses to “Ways to Assess 8th Grade Tech Literacy”
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What do I think? Well now… having spent a great deal of time, energy and resources in the last two years learning how to do digital portfolios and training teachers and students…if we now change horses to yet more testing of students instead, I’ll know that someone’s telling me it’s time to retire. Enough is enough! As it is, I lose a lab for four weeks every time NWEA testing comes around. If we add another set of tests, is it then far away from the laughable situation when we won’t have the lab time for kids to learn what they’ll be tested on? Not far, from where I’m sitting.
I am very much against testing of students especially in a practical field such as technology. I have tried doing performance-based assessments of students’ computer skills following every project, and it told me very little I didn’t already know. I couldn’t justify the time and resources for the little gain it provided. I’d rather spend the time having students reflect on their learning.
I would like to echo what Peter M. wrote. What we are doing with digital portfolios works as well as anything to show students’ knowledge and use of technology. If we add another test-when will we teach? The frustration level rises! I have students who are now computer lab phobic due to testing. Please, no more tests!
Ditto on no more testing! I like the portfolio idea. We need to have a cost-effective portfolio solution that has bells and whistles to make it interesting for the students to use. If they like it and become vested in it, they’ll work to make a good looking portfolio that they are proud of and shows off their capabilities.
Wow! Ditto-Ditto-Ditto!!! I’m glad that I’m not the only one that is feeling “test overload”. I can’t even imagine what the students are feeling. I lose my regular classes for four weeks in the fall and four in the spring in order to complete NWEA in a K-8 school. I have my 8th graders create their own portfolios as a final tech project. What better way is there to demonstrate their skill/interest in technology. The proof is in the pudding!
Peter, well I AM retired and I agree with you. Technology should never be taught in isolation but in the context of subject area applications:
1. Excel - math (do you know you can plot linear (or otherwise) equations by charting x, y columns)?
2. Word Processing: is now desktop publishing and web publishing.
3. Curriculum supportive software:
Timeliner: social studies, science
Inspiration: English, social studies, science
Ikeepbookmarks: research
Science: Probes, simulations (try http://www.sodaplay.com)
Etc etc…
Tom
3.
Another ditto with no more testing and down lab time due to tests/NWEAs. Portfolios are the only way to show WHAT the student is capable of doing. How can we measure a student’s knowledge (as well as a schools’ or district’s) with a 1 day - 1 time test? I have never tested well - but let me SHOW you what I can do and I’m off running. The business community has been complaining for decades the students coming out of high school and college are not ready for the work place because they cannot APPLY what they have “learned”. How better to APPLY technology than through portfolios, especially when used solving real-world problems.