Evaluation of Student Use of Technology Tools

I have found a couple of different ways to evaluate student use of technology tools depending on the learning activity. When dealing with the mechanics of use I observe students as they use the tool or tools whether they are working with hardware such as the keyboard or a digital or video camera or software applications or Internet tools. I look for the ease of use and how they interact with the tool(s) as well as whether they assist or explain the use to others. I would use this evaluation to determine how to support student learning and mastery, not necessarily as a part of a final grade.

When evaluating for a grade on a completed project I provide a rubric that outlines both the content information that is required and the technology aspect. For example, if students were to use presentation software to provide information about a selected country, I would provide my expectations in regard to information, ideas, and evaluation of the country in the content area (grammar and conventions also). Then I would provide expectations and suggestions in regard to the number of slides and various features that should be included using the software. As a computer lab teacher I would weigh both content and technology equally. If I was a classroom or content specific teacher I might take a different approach giving a little more weight to the content. I like the approach Harry G. Tuttle suggests in his post: Assessing Web 2.o Projects through Bloom and Time. He suggests assigning a number value to the steps of Bloom's Taxonomy and then multiplying that by the number of days it took the student to complete the project. Additional variables could be added to meet the needs of the individual students or teacher but including Bloom in the evaluation is very valuable. Explaining the evaluation process to students using Bloom's Taxonomy should be an added benefit to their learning and thinking processes when completing assignments.

I have always told my students that it doesn't matter how "cute" the end product is if the content is incorrect or lacking. Technology tools are very valuable tools to create artifacts that express knowledge. Knowledge is primary and technology is a support and should be evaluated with that in mind.