Assessment Tools Part 2 - Socrative

 

The second assessment tool I am going to highlight this year is Socrative.  This tools works on any device with internet access.  This tool is very easy to set up and you do not have to load students or a class into the system.  You can ask multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and use an exit ticket.  You can also add images to your questions for subject areas where that might be needed.  Socrative will grade the multiple choice and short answer questions for you and collect the data in a report which it emails to you.  This report can be downloaded and viewed in excel. You can share quizzes you have created with your colleagues which will save lots of time.  This data would be very organized and valuable for PLC meetings.

Below I have included some links which will help you get started using this great assessment tool:

• 3 Ways to Use Socrative 
• User Guide, Training Videos, and Great Integration Ideas for Socrative
• Adding Pictures to Questions and Self-Grading
• Space Race Game in Socrative
• What is coming in Socrative 2.0

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like me to come in to show you more about this tool. 

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Assessment Tools Part 1-Google Forms

My next few tech tips will be focused on the topic of assessment tools.  Correcting and analyzing assessment data can be very time consuming.  Over the few weeks I am going to share a few technology tools that will help save you time and seamlessly organize your data for you.  I will give some highlights of each tool, but please contact me if you want to learn more about any of the tools.

Google Forms:

Our district uses Microsoft 365, but Google forms (free) is still a tool from Google that I use regularly.  This summer they have added many new features, but one of the most significant is the video question option.  I like Google forms due to its simplicity, ability to self-correct, and data organization.  

Check out this great link which shows how Google forms can be used to create self-grading quizzes.  This would be a great alternative to scantron cards and it is much easier to analyze the results.  Google also provides a video question option along with a way to insert images into questions as well.  The forms are easily printable using the printer friendly format for those who can’t complete them online.  

Application:

Google forms collect multiple choice, rating scales, essays, and short answer questions.  Depending on the question type it will also organize the data and put it in a graph for you to easily analyze.

This would be a great tool to use when you are creating and analyzing data from your common formative assessments or summative assessments.  You can even collaborate with others to create a form and analyze the results.  Please contact me if you are interested in trying this tool in your classroom.

Welcome Back!

It is amazing to think we are finishing up the second week of school already.  I am very excited to work with all of you again and support you as you integrate technology in your classrooms.  I created this quick video to recap what I shared with you during workshop week.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Have a great weekend!

Top Tech Tip #4 - 3 iPad Apps to Assess Reading Fluency and Track Comprehension

This weeks top tip is on 3 iPad Apps to Assess Reading Fluency and Track Comprehension.  In the original post I shared 3 apps that would track fluency and comprehension. These apps are useful, but I wanted to add some alternatives for those teachers who do not have access to an iPad.  One alternative is using Evernote.  I shared some links below on how other teachers are using Evernote to track fluency and comprehension notes on students.

• Penultimate-iPad App
• Using Evernote to Record and Track Fluency
• 2nd Grader Explaining how she uses Evernote to record fluency

I hope these are helpful and I would love to help you get started using Evernote in your classroom next year.

4 Free Online Storage Options

The end of the year brings excitement for the summer and reflection on all the learning that has happened over the course of the year.  You also spend lots of time going through and organizing the files and resources you have created/collected over the course of the year.  Many of us do this with our paper files, but sometimes forget to backup and purge our digital files.  

The tech tip this week is going to focus on 4 free file storage options to backup and organize files that are accessible anywhere using your computer, cellphone, or tablet.  I have listed the 4 options I would recommend and some tips to help you organize your files.

How many files can I store?

Obtained from - http://thessdreview.com/hardware/kingston-datatraveler-32gb-ultimate-3-0-flash-drive-quick-review/

This tool is a Microsoft product and a great way to store files.  You get 7GB of free storage.  

Google Drive allows you to save up to 5GB for free.

Dropbox provides you with 2GB of free storage and allows you to earn more if you refer others.

I have never used uploading it, but it provides you with 10GB of free file storage.

Flash drives are another very reasonable option to back up your files.  They are relatively cheap (under $10 for a 16GB) and are even less expensive to buy in the fall during back to school time.

File Organization Tips:

• If you haven’t used it for a few years delete it

• I would back up my files regularly, but for sure once a year
• I personally have Dropbox linked between my computer and cell phone and use that strictly to back up all the pictures I take.  It also makes it easy to access photos from my phone on my computer.
• Lose the folders-If you come up with a naming pattern for your files to make them easily searchable you can get rid of your folders. 
• Ex- Reading_unit 1_three blind mice  - I can now search by subject, unit, or story without having to sort through a bunch of folders
• Please share any other techniques you use to organize your digital files