Assessment Proposal

Introduction

The purpose of this exercise is to come up with a research proposal on the use of computer technologies in the assessment of learners in elementary school classrooms. For this proposal to be put together, several aspects of elementary school assessment will be highlighted in this document. These include the rationale behind the selection of this research topic, three faculty-related issues that will guide the professional development of the assessment mechanisms, the needs students served by the faculty have, a brief annotated bibliography of the references that will be employed and finally a plan for a professional development workshop on the key issues of elementary school.

Rationale behind the selection of the research topic “using computer technologies in assessment in the elementary classroom.”

The first reason why this topic was picked in relation to traditional assessment research is the fact that different parties have from time to time claimed that the present assessment methods in application in elementary school classrooms across the country are flawed and impractical in today’s real- world situations and economy. As a result, the researcher saw it fit to consider the application of computers in this activity with the aim of fine-tuning assessment or at the least contributing to feasibility studies related to the same issue (Mueller et al, 2008).

The second reason for the selection of this topic is the fact that there has been a constant push by key stakeholders to increase the application of computer technologies in the education system. Many of these efforts have been channeled towards the instructive and administrative elements of academic institutions while very little effort has been put in regard to their use in the assessment of learners. Logic therefore dictates that this angle too needs to be explored and possibly acted upon to increase harmony in the elementary education system.

The third reason why this topic has been selected is due to the shortcomings that the education system has exhibited in various parts of the country. Education is a highly labor intensive sector of the economy and a key part of that is the assessment of students. Given that computer technology processes pieces of data at rates that are much faster that what humans can, it is again necessary to look at this as an option especially in states where the teaching workforce is overwhelmed by labor shortages and large student populations.

Issues of the faculty for which the plan for professional development will be designed

The first faculty issue for which the professional development plan is being formulated is the adherence to local and national educations standards that have been set. With the help of computer technology there will be less time consumed referring to manuals that have been issued to guide elementary school teachers in the comparison of their teaching and the standards that have been set (Ross et al, 2010).

The second faculty issue for which the professional development plan will be designed is the monitoring and evaluation of student progress on a regular basis. With computer technology, relevant data can be accessed remotely on a regular routine without having to subject the teachers to the preparation and submission of reports. This will make comparisons easier to conduct whether it is chronological or that of different classrooms (Chu et al, 2010).

The third faculty issue that demands a professional development plan is the empowerment of learners to also assess the teaching methods of their tutors though regular surveys that allow them to provide responses to different aspects of the education they receive. This will be crucial in the motivation of learners as teachers will better understand the areas that they are excelling in as well as those that need more effort (Huang and Chang, 2011).

Needs of students in this district who are served by the faculty

The first need that these students have is the need to be motivated towards having a good attitude in class. With a good attitude the efforts made by the students will tremendously increase and therefore reduce pressure on their teachers. Motivated students are more curious, more eager to learn and will also exhibit initiative in their classwork, assignments and projects. When this happens classrooms will become more inclusive as the students will generally participate more, engaging each other as well as their teachers in a positive manner that compliments their education (Chu et al, 2010).

The second need that these students need is empowerment so that they can believe in themselves and their own intellect and problem-solving ability. A large number of these students tend to perform below their potential due to lack of confidence. Poor grades in many instances serve to demotivate those unfortunate enough to attain them in class. There needs to be a way of giving such learners hope instead of merely summarizing their efforts with a grade that hardly indicates their strengths and weak points.

The third need that these students have is to get a quality education that empowers them to better their lives and therefore improve the society they live in through the formulation of practical solutions for the existent problems.

Annotated Bibliography

Hwang, G. J., & Chang, H. F. (2011). A formative assessment-based mobile learning approach to improving the learning attitudes and achievements of students. Computers & Education, 56(4), 1023-1031.- This is a study that assesses the potential benefit of an all-inclusive learning system that embraces mobile technology. Though interesting to students, this study also focuses on the formulation of assessment mechanisms that will aid in ensuring such systems are wholesome in that they both help in the transfer of knowledge as well as tracking of student progress thus serving as motivators.

Mueller, J., Wood, E., Willoughby, T., Ross, C., & Specht, J. (2008). Identifying discriminating variables between teachers who fully integrate computers and teachers with limited integration. Computers & Education, 51(4), 1523-1537.- This report explored the parameters that come into play when teachers who embrace computer technology in the classroom were compared against those who do not. Both elementary and secondary school teachers were considered.

Ross, S. M., Morrison, G. R., & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Educational technology research past and present: Balancing rigor and relevance to impact school learning. Contemporary Educational Technology, 1(1), 17-35.- This study focused on the results of teachers incorporating computer technology to classroom processes. The two main groups considered are those who made gains as well as those who were not as successful in the same with a focus on the challenges experienced.

Chu, H. C., Hwang, G. J., Tsai, C. C., & Tseng, J. C. (2010). A two-tier test approach to developing location-aware mobile learning systems for natural science courses. Computers & Education, 55(4), 1618-1627.- this study presents an alternative assessment method to match the unique needs brought about by the use of mobile devices in elementary school education. The alternative approach introduces assessment of the students in the real world through the use of RFID technology.

Chu, H. C., Hwang, G. J., & Tsai, C. C. (2010). A knowledge engineering approach to developing mind tools for context-aware ubiquitous learning. Computers & Education, 54(1), 289-297.- Like the above method which seeks to solve assessment challenges brought about by computer technology in education. This study proposes the development of mind tools that enhance the assessment mechanisms for electronic education in such a manner that will lead to more motivated learners as well as informative assessments.

Professional Development Plan

Introduction of topic of discussion
Current state of assessment in Elementary schools with emphasis on the challenges and opportunities
Reasons why computer technologies need to be included in assessment in elementary school.
The relationship between assessment and standards that have been set.
The importance of monitoring and evaluation of student progress
The need to empower learners who are in Elementary school.
Assessment and Student motivation.
Submission of recommendations by participants
Compilation of recommendations, their presentation and the conclusion of the workshop

References

Chu, H. C., Hwang, G. J., & Tsai, C. C. (2010). A knowledge engineering approach to developing mind tools for context-aware ubiquitous learning. Computers & Education, 54(1), 289-297

Hwang, G. J., & Chang, H. F. (2011). A formative assessment-based mobile learning approach to improving the learning attitudes and achievements of students. Computers & Education, 56(4), 1023-1031