Assessment and Evaluation with Information and Computer Technology

I've had the opportunity to teach a number of courses now that offer a virtual classroom environment.  This environment is though the Ministry of Education-approved Design2Learn software.  This software creates a safe environment for my students to access course content as well as submit their work.  As well, through Google Apps for Educators integration, students are able to access their Google Docs, Spreadsheets or Presentations and submit those directly through the D2L-enabled site.

Image courtesy of JISC

The virtual environment that I use has essentially become an e-portfolio - a collection of student work saved digitally throughout the school year.  Every assignment that students submit to me, there is an electronic copy saved on the site for them to review at a later date.

In my courses, I like to use the e-portfolio as a way for students to track their learning throughout a semester.  As well, it is a great source of knowledge to use as we work our way towards the end of a course.

For example, in my BTT2O class, we examine various office-related software, such as word processors, photo editors, spreadsheets, presentations as well as video editors.  In their e-portfolios, and in the dropbox, is a collection of their work over the semester.  All the skills that are required for the culminating activity at the end of the course is based on their works throughout the semester.  Therefore, students are encouraged to go back to review their past work, find what it is they did and review the skills necessary, and then use that knowledge to work on their other assignments.  This helps create a sense of self-satisfaction and success as everything they need is there available for them.

When it comes to assessment and evaluation using ICT, there are many benefits.  First and foremost, student work is all submitted to a neat and organized spot within the LMS.  Here, I am able to open each file individually, regardless of the file type.  It it's submitted as a Microsoft-type file (.doc, .ppt, .xls), then I open it up in the program and review their work.  What I can then do it turn on the edit/suggestion settings and provide feedback to students throughout their assignment.  The benefit to this is that all the suggestions are there, I have space to write, and the students can read my writing!  When it comes to using GAFE, it's eaven easier.  I have students send me their work in a way that I am able to comment, but not edit.  Like the Microsoft-type files, I am able to go through their work and provide suggestions, but the beauty of this also is I'm able to do it in real time to students can see the suggestions I'm making as it happens.  This allows for collaboration throughout the process.

The Learning for All document defines the three types of assessment - for, as and of.  Each of the three types are more than able to be used in ICT-based instruction.  All three help in the creation of the e-portfolio as a way to track progress throughout the semester.  In the end, students will have a great collection of work which they can use and share with themselves and others to show growth and knowledge of their semester, and provide them with the skills for success at future levels.