While
tests are great ways to measure student learning, they are certainly not the
only way to do so. There are many assessment
tools that teachers can use within the classroom in place of traditional tests.
Examples of these tools include project
based learning, portfolio assessment, and presentations. These types of assessments will typically
demonstrate the students’ depth of knowledge on a particular subject; whereas,
a summative assessment will demonstrate mastery or lack thereof.
There
are many ways in which technology can be incorporated into the assessment
process. Project Based Learning can be
documented with photography and students can share their learning experiences
via the World Wide Web. Students can
also create a portfolio to showcase their learning over a period of time. The easiest way to create a digital portfolio
is through an application such as Evernote that allows users to upload images,
notes, videos, and an array of file types and share their works with
others. Through the use of software and
applications such as Powerpoint, Prezi, and Powtoon students are able to
synthesize their learning into multimedia presentations. Although age-old summative assessments have
their place in the classroom they are certainly not the only Way to measure
student success.