Measurements of Student Learning

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.