I have recently been researching the use of Web 2.0 technologies and Social Networking as a tool for Assessment for Learning. Thanks to all who responded via Twitter especially @nick_chater @57mason and @AtkiTeach.
Below is a list of websites and tools that could and should aid effective Assessment for Learning, all have been tried and tested (I've included helpful hints where possible). The list is by no means exhaustive or definitive and I would be very interested to hear about others.
Web 2.0
Google Docs - documents can be in form of powerpoint, spreadsheet or document, you will need a google account to set this up, a document can be open to anybody to either just view or populate. Links are shared via eMail. Ideal for collaborative learning https://docs.google.com
Answer Garden - no sign up required! Simply create a garden by writing in a question and then share the link (either by eMail or perhaps a QR code). Collaborators then have 20 characters to use to answer the question - generating a blooming garden of (anonymous) answers, opinions and feedback. You can control the settings to allow people unlimited or single responses, delete certain answers, search keywords on the internet and upload answers into wordle or tagxedo. http://answergarden.ch/
Linoit - my personal favourite! Really fancy looking canvas of post-it notes, where each collaborator can write their own post-it note and pin on the board. Images and videos can also be uploaded as well as any document. You will need to create an account for this one and as before canvasses can be private, open to view or open to edit - all you will need to do is invite people via eMail (each collaborator will then need to create an account). The post-it notes are completely anonymous and can be edited by anybody, fantastic for gauging feedback and collaboration. http://en.linoit.com/
PrimaryPad - Similar in some aspects to Googledocs but alot easier to use! You just create a pad and share the link, no sign up required. Each collaborator writes in a different colour (each individual has the option to 'register' their colour or remain anonymous) and there is no limit on character usage. Contents of the pad can be uplaoded into wordle, embedded into blogs, have documents attched etc. Provides a great opportunity for classroom feedback. http://primarypad.com/
Other Web 2.0 software which is great for assessment for learning;
Voicethread - an amazing collaborative site that enables you to add not only typed responses but audio, video and annotations, well worth a look at. http://voicethread.com/
…and some more alternatives! Click here
Social Networking
There has been an explosion of interest in using Social Networking in schools recently, especially with the creation of Google+ (I now have an account……..just need to work out how to use it!). The use of Facebook has always and will continue to cause controversy as to whether it should be used in education - I personally believe it has a real place in learning (there, said it!). I would recoomend you read @chickensaltash blog post on "Facebook as a Tool for Improving Student Outcomes"
Blogging -an amazing opportunity for students to learn by collaborating, reading, giving feedback and not just in the classroom but anywhere and anytime.
Please click on the links below to view two blogs that I have recently set up for schools and events - people are generally impressed at the professional look of the sites and are also genuingly surprised as to how easy they are to create. Whether you set up a personal learning journey blog, or a class blog, or a blog for your department or school - it's incredibly powerful. Go on give it a go, you know you want to!
Twitter - I love it, for my own personal CPD and also for use in schools. I have written a blog post about how it could be used in schools, feel free to view it here.
Part of this blog was also recently published by Creative Training Techniques
….and if you feel that Twitter is too "open" why not try Twiducate - a free educational alternative to Twitter that could be just used by a selected group of students, one class for example.
Check out an old post on how it could be used in the classroom "35 ways to use Twiducate…"
Click here to view my Prezi that I used to present my findings at #aflbradford2011
Below is a list of websites and tools that could and should aid effective Assessment for Learning, all have been tried and tested (I've included helpful hints where possible). The list is by no means exhaustive or definitive and I would be very interested to hear about others.
Web 2.0
Google Docs - documents can be in form of powerpoint, spreadsheet or document, you will need a google account to set this up, a document can be open to anybody to either just view or populate. Links are shared via eMail. Ideal for collaborative learning https://docs.google.com
Answer Garden - no sign up required! Simply create a garden by writing in a question and then share the link (either by eMail or perhaps a QR code). Collaborators then have 20 characters to use to answer the question - generating a blooming garden of (anonymous) answers, opinions and feedback. You can control the settings to allow people unlimited or single responses, delete certain answers, search keywords on the internet and upload answers into wordle or tagxedo. http://answergarden.ch/
Linoit - my personal favourite! Really fancy looking canvas of post-it notes, where each collaborator can write their own post-it note and pin on the board. Images and videos can also be uploaded as well as any document. You will need to create an account for this one and as before canvasses can be private, open to view or open to edit - all you will need to do is invite people via eMail (each collaborator will then need to create an account). The post-it notes are completely anonymous and can be edited by anybody, fantastic for gauging feedback and collaboration. http://en.linoit.com/
PrimaryPad - Similar in some aspects to Googledocs but alot easier to use! You just create a pad and share the link, no sign up required. Each collaborator writes in a different colour (each individual has the option to 'register' their colour or remain anonymous) and there is no limit on character usage. Contents of the pad can be uplaoded into wordle, embedded into blogs, have documents attched etc. Provides a great opportunity for classroom feedback. http://primarypad.com/
Other Web 2.0 software which is great for assessment for learning;
Wallwisher - very similar to Linoit http://www.wallwisher.com/
Voicethread - an amazing collaborative site that enables you to add not only typed responses but audio, video and annotations, well worth a look at. http://voicethread.com/
…and some more alternatives! Click here
Social Networking
There has been an explosion of interest in using Social Networking in schools recently, especially with the creation of Google+ (I now have an account……..just need to work out how to use it!). The use of Facebook has always and will continue to cause controversy as to whether it should be used in education - I personally believe it has a real place in learning (there, said it!). I would recoomend you read @chickensaltash blog post on "Facebook as a Tool for Improving Student Outcomes"
Blogging -an amazing opportunity for students to learn by collaborating, reading, giving feedback and not just in the classroom but anywhere and anytime.
Please click on the links below to view two blogs that I have recently set up for schools and events - people are generally impressed at the professional look of the sites and are also genuingly surprised as to how easy they are to create. Whether you set up a personal learning journey blog, or a class blog, or a blog for your department or school - it's incredibly powerful. Go on give it a go, you know you want to!
http://shootthatc2011.posterous.com/ - this was a blog I set up for a GCSE Maths revision day.
http://goodtooutstanding.posterous.com/ - this is a blog I have set up for a school for their "outstanding teacher" programme
Twitter - I love it, for my own personal CPD and also for use in schools. I have written a blog post about how it could be used in schools, feel free to view it here.
Part of this blog was also recently published by Creative Training Techniques
….and if you feel that Twitter is too "open" why not try Twiducate - a free educational alternative to Twitter that could be just used by a selected group of students, one class for example.
Check out an old post on how it could be used in the classroom "35 ways to use Twiducate…"
Click here to view my Prezi that I used to present my findings at #aflbradford2011
To Top