Performance Assessments: Emerging Technologies

Performance Assessments: Emerging Technologies      

Performance assessments “involve a direct observation of learner behavior, or of a product resulting from that behavior…they measure acquisition of problem solving: a set of skills that goes beyond the knowledge of concepts and rules” (Oosterhof, Conrad, 2008).  They evaluate a learner’s ability to perform.  Performance assessments in an online environment have become more widely accepted as technology improves. Performance assessment in an online setting provides the opportunity for instructors and learners to utilize new and emerging technologies to enhance learning. 

Perform an Internet search identifying new and emerging technology that would enhance performance assessment in an online environment.  Critiquing two emerging technologies, reflect upon the following questions:

•   How would this emerging technology apply/utilize performance assessments?
•   Based upon this weeks resource and your own experiences, how will this technology improve    learning outcomes?

By Wednesday:

Post your thoughts about emerging technologies in relation to performance assessment. Critique two chosen technologies, include a reflection as to how you would best use in a performance assessment.   Be sure to cite information from the Learning Resources to support your thinking.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings. As you read their responses, note those to which you would like to respond with advice, questions, comments, and/or encouragement.

Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in any of the following ways:

•       Build on something your colleague said.

•       Explain why and how you see things differently.

•       Ask a probing or clarifying question.

•       Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.

•       Offer and support an opinion.

•       Validate an idea with your own experience.

•       Expand on your colleague's posting.

•       Ask for evidence that supports the posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned in this activity and/or insights you gained this week.

Reference:

Oosterhof, A., Conrad, R.-M., & Ely, D. P. (2008). Assessing learners online. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. 

Formative Evaluative Criteria for Discussion Board Assignments

Quality of Work Submitted	A: Exemplary Work A= 4.00; A- = 3.75 All of the previous, plus the following:	B: Graduate Level Work B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00; B- = 2.75	C: Minimal Work C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00; C- = 1.75	F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable F = 1.00
Contribution to the Learning Community	The student’s contribution meets all assigned criteria and frequently prompts further discussion of a topic. The student takes a leadership role in discussions. The student demonstrates exemplary awareness of the community’s needs.	The student’s contribution satisfactorily meets the assigned criteria for contributions to the discussions. The student interacts frequently and encourages others in the community. The student demonstrates an awareness of the community’s needs.	The student’s contribution is minimal to the posting and response deadlines. Occasionally, the student makes an additional comment. The student makes minimal effort to become involved within the  community.	The student’s contribution does not meet the assigned criteria The student does not respond or responds late to postings. The student does not make an effort to participate in the  community as it develops.
Initial Posting: Critical Analysis of Issues **May include, but are not limited to, scholarly articles, collegial discussions; information from conferences, in service, faculty development, and/or meetings.	Demonstrates critical thinking to analyze and relate key points. Supports content with required readings or course materials, and may use creditable sources** in addition to those materials.	Relates to the assigned discussion topic with satisfactory evidence of critical thinking.  Summarizes and supports content using information from required readings and course materials.	Summarizes or restates discussion topic components with minimal evidence of critical thinking skills. Post is off topic. Post has minimal or no connection to course materials.	Does not relate to the assigned discussion topic. Post does not summarize or contain a connection to required readings or course materials..
Responses: Quality of Learning for Colleagues and Self	Provide specific, constructive, and supportive feedback to extend colleagues’ thinking. Encourage continued and deeper discussion.  Offer additional resources or experiences. Demonstrate exemplary evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues.	Provide constructive and supportive feedback to colleagues. Refer to sources from required readings and course materials. Demonstrate satisfactory evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues.	Provide general feedback with minimal or no connection to required readings or course materials. Demonstrate minimal evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues.	Provide agreement without substance or connection to required readings or course materials. Demonstrate no evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues.
Expression	Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas effectively written in Standard Edited English. Includes appropriate APA-formatted citations and reference list for outside sources and direct quotes.	Provides clear opinions and ideas written in Standard Edited English. Includes satisfactory APA-formatted citations and reference list for outside sources and direct quotes.	Expression is unclear or interrupted by errors. Includes minimal or no APA-formatted citations and reference list for outside sources and direct quotes.	Unacceptable written expression. May include outside sources and direct quotes that lack appropriate citations.
Final Assignment Grade	A: Exemplary Work	B: Graduate Level Work	C: Minimal Work	F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable