Journal 3

Zucker, Andrew A. (2009). Assessment made easy. Learning & Leading with Technology, June/July, Retrieved 07/26/2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=June_July_No_8_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4333&ContentID=23577&DirectListComboInd=D

Assessment Made Easy


Let me begin by saying that I absolutely loved this article. Before even entering any of the technology aspects I really like the way that the school was set up regarding it’s ethnic make-up, the lottery style acceptances and the requirement to have low income students as well. I thoroughly believe that having mixed SES schools is such a good idea and can benefit both those in the higher levels and lower levels. I was actually in a physics class here at CSUSM when they introduced personal tablets for each student. The program was new so it was rather bumpy and Dr. DeLeone was very patient with us but I think that overall it was an interesting and creative idea. I really like that teachers can pull up students work anonymously and correct it as a group, I think that that particular teaching technique would be very successful in grabbing students attention and ensuring that they are absorbing the material. I have to agree also that instant feedback on tests is awesome and extremely helpful to the student.

Why wouldn’t having laptops alone bring a school from weak to strong?

Simply giving students laptops would not be enough to turn a weak school into a strong school because the students need instruction and creative and thoughtful application for the technology. Programs, lesson plans, and usage of the laptops needs to be meshed together in ways that would yield successful results and this requires the proper staffing at the school.

Why might shy kids benefit from online discussion?

Some kids have very valuable input or thoughts but would rather not say them out loud or have everyone looking at them at one time. Online, they can make their statement or their opinion and receive immediate feedback without all the extra attention of verbally socializing.