2010MEDU607

"Performance assessments go beyond traditional tests and serve as an important teaching tool."

"What's wrong with measuring academic progress through standardized tests? Here are some reasons why high-stake tests are problematic."

A detailed article on Assessment found on Wikipedia.

A detailed article on Assessment found on Wikipedia.

"This article describes the need and prospects for alternative assessment approaches in online learning environments within the context of higher education."

Discovery Education with a plethora of links for assessment.

"This set of web pages will describe and discuss the use of technology to support alternative assessment from a number of perspectives. Originally developed and maintained by Dr. Helen Barrett, School of Education, University of Alaska Anchorage (retired). "

"Game designer Jane McGonigal gives an interesting and entertaining keynote concerning how games can make us better at solving real-world problems in this video from Ted Talks. "

The writer of this blog post argues that high-stakes testing is damaging our students' learning when they are drilled in taking tests rather than participating in opportunities to problem solve and critically think with their peers worldwide.

Writing with multimedia.

This video provides an example of how students of the 21st century compose in both words and images. Rutgers is re-imagining the humanities for the 21st century.

"A novel public school in New York City has taken the video game as its model for how to teach. Students use video games and design them as part of their classes. As Quest to Learn is wrapping up its first year, those behind the program say game-based learning is integral to 21st century literacy. "

A collection of blog posts around NCLB, testing and standardized assessments from Wes Fryer's Speed of Creativity.

"In this film, Larry Rosenstock, describes a vision for educaiton that blends the head, the heart, and the hands. High Tech High embraces learning that flows from personal interests, passion for discovery and a celebration of art, technology and craftsmanship."

"I've been working with several teachers over the years in our district on the using project based learning. We're by no means experts but are doing some nice work. These three high school teachers have taken the bull by the horns and restructured the school day to provide some learning not easily done in our traditional 40-75 minute classes. This 5 minute video tells part of their story."

"With one big idea after another -- from the Apple mouse to more patient-friendly emergency rooms -- the global consulting firm IDEO has built a reputation for innovative thinking."

This site breaks down the world of standardized assessments into easily understandable chunks. Designed for parents, the site offers a particularly useful chart presenting testing issues and what supporters and critics say about each.

"Ken Robinson goes on the offensive against standardized testing in a post-industrial society … and hits the issue on the head:"

While this is a personal web site developed by a college student, there is some interesting information, particularly in the pros and cons sections.

"This workshop is intended as a Primer to introduce educators to Project Based Learning - and to the use of free online tools in project based learning."

"You don't have to reinvent the wheel to bring project-based learning to your school. Educators from Maine have shared details about their administration, school culture, professional development, and curriculum -- materials you may adapt for your class, school, or school district. "