Some things to think about:
What do schools do that don't have the technology to test the kids?
How do we teach students to take a test on a computer?
NPR story
Links to PARCC Field Tests
I know that several of you teach at the post secondary level but one of the big changes is taking place in MO is the introduction of the Common Core standards. With the change to Common Core we also get to move away from the MAP test. There are several tests out there for the Common Core. Listen to the story from NPR and then take one of the sample tests. I looked at the 3-5 English test and I know that when I think of my 9 year old sitting down to take this test I am not sure how well it would go.
Some things to think about: What do schools do that don't have the technology to test the kids? How do we teach students to take a test on a computer? NPR story Links to PARCC Field Tests
41 Comments
Taylor West
3/15/2015 01:43:16 pm
It's no surprise to see MO and other states starting to go technological way with giving standardized test. It was only a matter of time. I think it is a lot smarter, and I like the idea of limiting paper work. It seems that going to the idea of giving standardized test online seems way more efficient. Not just saving money on paper, but the confusion of maybe losing the material after the test was given. Seems like the only real logical idea if the school does not have the computers to take the test. They either give them a hard copy, or give them some kind of device to be able to take the standardized test. For any age you will have to have a teacher watch the students take the test. I guess the only way to help the kids take the test online it give them practice test and directions to do so. I would not just throw a 4th grade student in the pit and expect them to do well. But as we get used to the system, kids that started at a young age will know what to do. I tried a few test, I think it will take some time to catch on.
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Devin Beasley
3/16/2015 08:32:53 am
Taylor, you bring up some great points about taking practice tests in order for students to get used to the computerized testing. I think this would be a great opportunity for both the students and teachers to familiarize themselves with the testing program as well as the testing standards/ expectations. Because the testing is a little different, it would be very beneficial for practice tests to be a nice preparation tool.
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Pat Tracy
3/17/2015 02:20:04 am
Taylor,you make some pretty good points. The money saved on paper and transportation of paper is going to help the school save some money, and hopefully the cost for the programs and tests do not cost much to on a computer. I also agree that students will adapt to the test taking if they start at a young age and take practice tests. It is just like an athletic skill, it is just repetition and improvement. My biggest worry about standardized testing does it make us better for the rest of our lives, if it does we should keep it.
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Terry Keown
3/25/2015 06:48:07 am
I agree with you Taylor. I really don't think its the shiny cannonball they would like it to be yet. Much too early to work out all the pluses and minuses with it. Plus I think it is sort of already dated in regard to the technology utilized to test the students. Here is where I believe the computer industry really needs to be more fourth coming in working with education community in regard to new instructional technology coming out on the horizon. Can you imagine taking a test on a computer where you would have to use the Hololens Technology coming out on Windows 10? A educational game changer in some areas of instruction.
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Simon Barinas
3/16/2015 01:58:22 am
I think that the idea of computerized standardized tests is a very good idea because it avoids the use of paper, and avoids the mistake making when grading them, because with it being computerized they can just put the answer sheet in a program and compare it with the test that way the grading is more accurate. If the school cannot offer computerized or online test, giving them a hard copy wouldn't be the end of the world. For either situation I think the teacher needs to be present no matter what specially for the computerized testing because for that transition it will take a little more time for students to get used to it, but once we get the students started from an early age to computerized testing the easier it will be in the future.
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Taylor West
3/16/2015 07:40:02 am
I agree. There is only one thing I find hard with this. That on these test you have to write your own answer. So a teacher, or someone who grades these test will have to go over it. And not just a set key of answers. I bet through this they find bugs, and problems. It will take a few years to get everything running smoothly. Only time will tell.
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Devin Beasley
3/16/2015 08:41:55 am
Simon, great points! I agree with you that even if a school does not have access to computers that handwritten testing is just as adequate. However, with the world becoming more technology-friendly, the computer testing is definitely the next best thing. A teacher most definitely needs to be present who is experienced with the testing programming to oversee all the students taking the test to make sure they do not have any trouble.
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Kim Welch
3/16/2015 12:13:59 pm
Hi Simon, this is Kim Welch. I think you made wonderful points about the computer-based testing being more accurate. Like you mentioned, all the computer has to do is compare the information entered to possible answers it has stored in its’ “memory”. I remember seeing students taking MAP tests in previous years, and some struggled with writing “neatly”. I don’t know what they were writing, but if I were to try to read it, I would probably struggle. By having students type their answers on the computer to respond to various questions, the writing will be neat and legible, which is always a plus when trying to decipher what their answers are. It should also be less biased – not that it ever was to begin with. To me, it will take a lot of “human-error” out of the testing process, since the computer will just see things as they are. It will probably help prevent a lot of stress for the people grading these tests, because they won’t have to spend as much time going through each individual booklet like they did for the paper and pencil MAP test.
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Pat Tracy
3/17/2015 02:25:14 am
Simon, I like how you describe the alternative, if a school cannot give the test on a computer, it is not the end of the world if a student has to take it via paper. Personally, if I could write on the hard copy, I would almost prefer to take it via hard copy because then I can make notes where I want to and then my thoughts formulate more efficiently. Also, when doing a test that involves multiple choice, there is a chance for error because of the grader OR the pencil marks being read as a different answer.
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J. Golden
3/19/2015 11:17:37 am
I agree with your statements Simon. Making the move to online testing makes it easier on the schools because it allows the grading to be done online. Like you said the transition period of teaching the students how to use the online system might take some time but it will save time in the long run.
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Jeromy Layman
3/22/2015 01:46:56 pm
Simon,
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Terry Keown
3/25/2015 06:32:34 am
Simon I agree that computer based testing is advantageous to instructors. Though, I believe here lays an issue with it. A test is as smart as those that create it. With that said It is my contention that even though these tests might work for the majority of those that make up the mean in the bell curve those on the fringes of that curve at both ends might be either too challenged or not challenged at all. The fact they take these tests on a computer may not be of relevance in this case and thus computerized test taking isn't anymore beneficial to those students than those they take with paper and pencil. I was really hoping when I took one of the tests I'd see something more unique in route to generating more critical thinking. I was sort of let down when I saw it wasn't a more radical concept to assess learning.
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Ryan Ellis
3/30/2015 12:17:06 am
I completely agree with you Simon. It would be much more economical and time consuming to grade using technology. I can see how streamlined this would make the entire process as well.
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Devin Beasley
3/16/2015 07:12:21 am
After listening to the NPR story and looking at the PARCC tests, it does not surprise me that MO is going to electronic testing. To me, I figure in the next ten years, majority of schools will cross over to computer testing. It is easier on everyone, the school, students, teachers, etc. However, I do believe that there should be a number of practice tests beforehand. This way, there will be no surprises and each student will feel comfortable before they take the real test. If a school were not able to have access to computers, of course we can still stick to the handwritten tests. We have been doing it all this time, it still doesn't hurt. I just feel like it would be easier for all on computers. Yes, a teacher will still have to monitor kids while they are taking the test but it would be a simple adjustment for students and teachers.
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Paden Kleinhesselink
3/16/2015 12:17:16 pm
Devin,
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Pat Tracy
3/17/2015 02:29:41 am
Devin, I agree with you. There is a huge trend going towards technology and using standardized testing. Maybe testing students on computers will get them more ready for the future, which is what we want to do for the youth. I am interested to see how computerized testing will affect how the youth development intellectually and professionally.
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Kim Welch
3/18/2015 11:25:20 am
Hi Devin, this is Kim Welch. I have to say, having the tests on the computers is a lot nicer so far this year. I teach 3rd grade, and we have been taking our classes to the computer lab the past several weeks, so they can take practice tests, such as the PARCC and MO Online Assessment. Not only are my students getting more and more comfortable using the computer tools, but they are also enjoying themselves. I can’t think of the last time I heard a student say they were looking forward to taking a MAP test in the spring, but my students are definitely revved and ready to go. Like you mentioned, having the tests online will save money, time, and a lot of paper. It is also something that a majority of students in this generation are more comfortable with – being computer based.
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Tyler Fritz
3/22/2015 04:31:24 am
I agree with you as well. I think this will be a little easier on everyone but there should be a few practice tests available for the students that is a great point. Also I agree with the teacher should be present when the students are taking the test because they need someone there to monitor them while taking it. The trend for everyone going to all of this technology is crazy how its come n the last 5 years.
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Dawn Macklin
3/16/2015 11:45:58 am
I agree with the posts so far that it's not surprising that MO is jumping on this bandwagon of usually technology for standardized testing. It seems as though it might eliminate things like losing tests, but will it really help student achievement? Will it truly be reliable? What if a student has an off day the day they take the computerized test? What about the age old question....will it eliminate "teaching to the test?" Those are things to ponder in addition to what do schools do that do not have the funds or the means for computers or internet realiability? Going with paper and pencil tests if they do not have the opportunity to take them electronically would have to be the option. Although think that there are way bigger fish to fry when it comes to standardized testing.
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Kim Welch
3/16/2015 12:06:14 pm
I have had the luxury of helping my 3rd grade students prepare for the upcoming Common Core online test this April, and needless to say, it is “different” than previous years. I teach in the Moberly, MO school district, and we are currently preparing our students to take the online tests the first part of April. Each week, we go to the computer lab three times, and our students take practice tests online. Those practice tests are the PARCC we were asked to try out during this blog assignment, and the other site is on MO Online Assessments. The PARCC seems to definitely be the harder of the two websites, which I think is a positive thing, because students will be better prepared. As far as providing enough computers to take the tests at our school, we have had to set up two extra computer labs in classrooms, so we can have enough come test day. We are also having to bus a few of our classes over to our high school, so they can use the computers there. This will be a year of trial and error for sure. Not only is computer availability an issue, band-width also comes into play. As a school district, we are having to upgrade out band-width, so it will be able to withstand the amount of use it will have when hundreds of students are using computers at the same time. Even though the logistics of creating a successful learning environment for our students is daunting, the work will pay off. I think the change to computer-based testing will be worth it in the long run. It will save time, money, and will also prepare students for what they will face once they enter the real world. As far as the time aspect, we were told that results will be available within a week or so after students test, which is way better than several months required for the regular paper and pencil MAP test. Overall, I think the United States is moving in the right direction.
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Dawn Macklin
3/18/2015 08:54:22 am
Kim,
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Paden Kleinhesselink
3/16/2015 12:07:49 pm
I think it is really interesting how the tests are set up know. I agree that the newer tests are more challenging that the previous ones. I did the third grade English test. I thought it was kind of difficult. I could only imagine how hard it is going to be for the third grade child trying to complete this. Does anyone know if the tests are timed or something like that? I know when I was in middle and high school, the standardized tests were always timed. I think these kids are going to have a real difficult time taking these tests. I think that the students need to be taught or practice taking these tests before they start using them. It is really a higher level thinking test.
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Taylor West
3/17/2015 12:55:28 am
You put it nicely there. Is it timed? I bet it is. Every state or National test is timed. I think they would have do so, so they can see how the national average is doing. If it wasn't timed, that would be a whole different situation to how the test was given. I can see how some people think this test is easy, but that is probably a very small average that do.
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Ryan ellis
3/22/2015 06:34:52 am
The tests are timed for exactly that reason. The national averages not only help students see where they rank compared to the rest of their classmates but it also helps the colleges and universities select their incoming freshmen from a pool of predetermined criteria from the testing. 3/17/2015 11:15:18 am
Paden,
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Simon Barinas
3/18/2015 12:05:16 am
Paden,
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Jeromy Layman
3/22/2015 01:49:19 pm
Paden,
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Jodi Himmelberg
3/16/2015 11:02:34 pm
I think to answer the question about schools that don't have the technology to test students may require, the state to have some mobile labs that can be borrowed by some school districts. Another way to accomplish would be to borrow technology from a neighboring district but I know some district would be uncomfortable about this for fear that they would not get their computers back or it would be damaged. Either way, if this is the way the state is going to test students then they must provide the means too. As far as teaching students to take tests online, I think that is pretty easy. Like anything, they will need practice. Teachers will need to make their students test online and often with varying forms to familiarize students with the different types of tests that can be administered online.
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3/17/2015 11:18:26 am
Jodi,
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Dawn Macklin
3/18/2015 08:57:45 am
Jodi,
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Pat Tracy
3/17/2015 02:36:30 am
Personally, I am not huge fan of standardized test in terms of how much time it requires for teachers to prep their students, but I do believe there needs to be measurement of how teachers are developing and educating their students compared to previous years and other schools. With that said, if taking the standardized test online will help minimize the amount of time dedicated to the standardized test, that would be outstanding. Also, When I was younger and took standardized test in class I was always excited if they were on the computer, but I also come from a different technological time (which is weird because I have not been removed from high school more than a decade. I hope students enjoy the privileges of using a computer and technology because they do not understand how much more efficient, it is to work.
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Simon Barinas
3/18/2015 12:02:10 am
Pat,
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J. Golden
3/19/2015 11:15:23 am
Pat you make some great points. I too was not a fan of standardized testing because of the time the teachers took out of the year to help prep us. I think the standardized testing could be moved to online and that would help save a lot of time not only from the teachers stand point but also the states.
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Ryan ellis
3/22/2015 06:37:03 am
I actually happened to be a fan of the standardized testing in florida mainly because our teachers never took time pu of their classes to go over it. All the prepping and protesting was outsourced to small companies and businesses. Not only does this take some weight off the teacher's shoulders but it also offered new jobs for teachers or extra income for those who can handle it. 3/17/2015 11:26:06 am
As a student, I did not mind standardized test, but the content of these new test seem different from the curriculum of the course. I took the Algebra One test. Concepts from intermediate and college algebra were present. If I was an instructor who was going to have to give this test, I would want to know what type of concepts my students would be required to know to help better prepare them. If the concepts were not present in their textbook, I would have to create assignments to match the type of concepts presented on the test. I feel that the focus of the curriculum could easily be geared towards the testing instead of the subject at hand.
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J. Golden
3/19/2015 11:11:03 am
I can see why states are moving toward taking tests on the computer. Its easier on the teachers because they don't have to sit down and look through handwritten tests and could potentially make a mistake grading a students test. For the schools that don't have the technology to do online testing, the best option would be to do the old school way and to just test them with pen and paper. Maybe with funding from the state or private donors these schools can move toward a future where they would have the resources that they need to keep up with the rest of the academic world. To teach the students how to take a test on the computer the schools would need to have "pre-tests" where it would be a course where the students would take "fake" tests so they can get used to the system and have an IT person there to help them if they have any questions.
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Tyler Fritz
3/22/2015 04:26:46 am
After looking at these tests and listening to the NPR I think that this computer testing is a good idea for students. I think that Nebraska already does some of this in their schools and I believe that within the next 5 or so years that there will be a lot of states that are doing this computer testing. There still needs to be a teacher present to monitor the kids taking the test and I also think that there should be some sort of practice tests that the kids can take so that they are more ready for it. So I do agree with the testing and I think that it will makes things a little more simple for everyone as well.
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Ryan Ellis
3/30/2015 12:13:26 am
I completely agree that there still needs to be a professor, teacher, or monitor present she administering the online tests. Some kids will undoubtedly still find ways to cheat but with the presence of an adult in the room that will become hard and it will deter others from attempting.
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Ryan Ellis
3/22/2015 06:31:49 am
I think it's great that many states are starting i utilize more technology when giving Standardized tests. Not only does it help save money on paper costs but it also saves the environment from being used up. Standardized tests require a ton of paper (literally) and the electronic tests help to replenish our trees and foliage around the planet. Of course you still have to have monitors for tests so the easiest way I would say to monitor an electronic Test would be to have a pool of computers that have the standardized tests loaded on their screens and then take away their ability to sign into the Internet. Students would have to save their work but his will get them in he habit of saving their work periodically which will ell them in the long run. Overall I think that the idea of an all electronic way of test taking is a bright idea for the future and we should make it more mandatory for high school students.
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Jeromy Layman
3/22/2015 01:43:34 pm
I tried out the Algebra I practice test. I knew that I had forgotten a lot of my high school math, but this test really put me in my place. I think that these tests would be hard for students. I have never been one for doing a lot of reading on the computer screen, I much prefer to have a hardcopy in front of me. There is something about the document being tangible and being able to write on it that puts me somewhat at ease. For districts without proper facilities or funding to have extensive computer labs, it will be a challenge to facilitate this kind of testing. At the high school I work at, there is always a mad dash to get the computer labs booked when testing is coming up. I think that a way to overcome the challenge of students taking tests of this magnitude on the computer is to work up to the test by having all of the class's testing take place on the computer. This will help to alleviate some of the anxiety of the standardized testing.
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Terry Keown
3/25/2015 06:12:28 am
Personally I am glad to see the tests have taken a move in a direction that requires more critical thought. Though since I didn't note any times referenced to take these tests I have to reserve a final decision on my thumbs up on them. I took the 11th grade test and just reading the material, digesting it, then trying to answer the questions took a bit of flipping back and fourth between the material and the questions. Accordingly, it took longer than I expected.
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Class BlogThis blog is for class conversations for Ed 514 at Central Methodist University. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
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