Summary
The four assessment tools I chose for Microsoft Office Suite help in my role of cybercoach. The tools personalize instruction, engage learners, and make online learning more interactive and meaningful.
ExamBuilder provides a snapshot of learners’ computer skill sets and knowledge base at any point during the course. If used as a precourse assessment, it can be a predictor of success in the course.
Wordpress develops reflective thinking by practicing writing in a Blog. Other activities in Wordpress offer a chance to build consensus and write collaboratively.
Slideshare exposes learners to other perspectives and multiple problem solving strategies. Activities encourage higher level thinking skills by comparing and evaluating creative solution presentations for content and design elements.
Audacity can be used to enhance web presentations with the addition of musical backgrounds, sound effects, and narration or used to create a Slideshare “mashup” or “slidecast”. Audacity also offers an alternative way to introduce or summarize discussion threads in the predominately text-based online environment.
Conclusion
These assessment tools bring two words to mind…meaningful and mindful. According to Ellen Langer, “One of the keys to meaningful learning is mindful learning. A mindful approach, she points out, has three characteristics: the continuous creation of new categories, openness to new information, and an implicit awareness of more than one perspective” (Langer; 1997). I enjoyed experimenting with the various assessment tools. I think it is important to use technology and not be fearful of experimenting with new assessment strategies. Choosing the appropriate assessment tool for the course shows a mindful approach to learning.
Reference:
Brandon, W. Applying Instructional Systems Processes to Constructivist Learning Environments. eLearning Developers’ Journal. Retrieved from: http://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/062904DES.pdf
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