Weekly Reflection Module 4

Our readings for the week focused on assessment tools that we have reviewed thus far in the course. In Furger's article, Assessment for Understanding, performance assessments were studied and their place in the world of student learning was documented. Due to the increase of available testing tools along with the increase in the amount of time that we spend testing, there has been considerable debate over the validity of these performance tests. I agree with Furger's conclusions about "time well spent" and "assessment versus accountability." Well designed, high quality assessments are worth the time and effort. It can be said that students are learning during the testing just as they are learning during a teacher during the course of a unit of study. Students, teachers, administrators and legislators are all responsible for the education of our students. Performance tests are an excellent means of accountability to the public. It can be argued that teachers will teach to the tests. I believe that this is not always a negative. Teachers who teach to test content are guaranteed to cover the learning goals and objectives of their local or state educational agencies.

In the Australian Quick Guide Series, a concise summary or toolbox of assessment tools were reviewed. An important point mentioned in the article was the pedogogical twists and turns an online instructor can take in the process of designing assessments, which would then lead to the same twists and turns in designing teaching strategies. As online tools become more accessible and sophisticated, we are fortunate to have a toolbox that is diverse and flexible. We have the capabilities of meeting the needs of diverse learners from across the nation, all in one learning community.

As teams of 4 or 5 members, we have jigsawed our way to a final midterm project. Using the tools that we have reviewed in this course, we have collaborated on a 'Toolbox" that contains the personal reviews of an online tool that can be used in online course assessment. Our team communicated via the Desire2Learn discussion board, an online wiki and email. We agreed on topics, formats, and deadlines within 24 hours of receiving the project. This group project is a wonderful way to gain another viewpoints other than my own on similar topics. Our team worked well together even though we have very different in backgrounds and educations. I know that my very talented team could not prepare as much as they would have liked for the project due to the time constraint. The online forum did limit us on time. An example would be when we tried to get consensus on a format for the final project. It takes at least 24 hours to get a response to all members, due to work and lifestyles.

I liked the preparation and work that went into this project. The tools we used are all valuable teaching and learning tools for an online course. Many of these tools could also be used with great success in the blended learning environment.