Software to support assessment - Essay Example

I would also have the ability to look at the students’ quiz and test scores, as well as time spent in answering individual questions and how much time was spent in finishing the test. Results from the assessment would aid me in the identification of the areas that students did not comprehend satisfactorily. Following the analysis of the results, it is easy to reconstruct the methods of teaching that would allow me, as an educator, to teach lessons in a way that the students can comprehend (Russell 1).

Formative assessment is embedded, typically, within the process of instruction. A simple way of defining formative assessment is that it is used during instructions. It can be utilized to determine the topics or needs that require addressing with a student. It can be used to identify gaps in what has been learnt and the reason they are struggling (Hickey 1). It includes homework, tests, and interaction with the students. For instance, discussions can include allowing children to put down questions and answers before learning topics.

One very valuable component of this assessment process is descriptive feedback where, using technology, the teacher can point out the areas the student did well in, as well as offering suggestions for specific improvement. Summative assessment, on the other hand, is given to students following specific instruction points to measure how they understand a subject. Various examples include final and midterm exams, interim or districts tests, standardized state exams, and high stakes exams (Hickey 1).

They can be utilized for checking subject mastery after a few months or weeks. Technology can be used send questions to parents to conduct summative assessment using provided questions. Use of technology to assess student learning has various advantages. First, it can improve authenticity, as well as alignment with outcomes of learning. TEA can take many forms and the flexibility of design allows for the assessment of a wide array of competencies and skills. It also provides the educator with opportunities to replicate tasks expected of students in a workplace in an environment that is risk free (Penuel & Yarnall 1).

Secondly, it also helps in the clarification of marking criteria. Virtual learning environments allow the educator to present criteria for assessment in the module, which ensures the criteria, is accessible and transparent. Thirdly, it spreads, for students and staff, the assessment load. TEA eases resource re-use and repurposing while enabling automatic marking that reduces the workload. Finally, it improves engagement with students, as well as the promotion of deeper learning. Technology used in assessment-enhancement enables diverse methods to be used in improving grades, allow frequent formative assessment, and support active learning (Penuel & Yarnall 1).

However, TEA use has a number of disadvantages. One major issue in the implementation has to do with cost in terms of effort, time, and money that should be weighed against pedagogic benefits (Penuel & Yarnall 1). There are also issues with accessibility as most staff and students’ digital literacy is not on a level playing field, making some uncomfortable in using TEA. Special students’