Time for change?
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/6/8/17683821/6951779.jpg)
Kids in today's world have never really had to look to a book for information, but rather the Internet or on their phones, hence the Information Age. Although their schools have not always relied on technology, these kids are beginning the transformation of student assessment. Schools are starting to integrate technology to assist them in not only teaching these kids, but assessing them as well.
For close to 80 years, bubble and scrantron tests have been the primary technology in assessing students, and they rely highly on multiple choice questions. However, with changing times and advances in technology, it is hard to depend on these bubble tests because they don't help teachers know what their students know and what they still need to learn. "As a result, at a time when students are tested more than ever—and test results are used to make critical judgments about the performance of schools, teachers, and students—our testing methods don't serve our educational system nearly as well as they should" (Tucker 2009).
For close to 80 years, bubble and scrantron tests have been the primary technology in assessing students, and they rely highly on multiple choice questions. However, with changing times and advances in technology, it is hard to depend on these bubble tests because they don't help teachers know what their students know and what they still need to learn. "As a result, at a time when students are tested more than ever—and test results are used to make critical judgments about the performance of schools, teachers, and students—our testing methods don't serve our educational system nearly as well as they should" (Tucker 2009).
for the students
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/6/8/17683821/7746469.jpg?1366146267)
Because students of the Information Age have been raised in a time where technology has fascinated people with it's advancement, it seems almost necessary to begin fully implementing technology into schools. If a child had the choice to learn using an IPad or a book, almost every kid would choose the IPad. It is amazing what technology can do, including engaging students and motivating them to learn. For more information on how to use IPads in your classroom, just go to http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/12/top-7-guides-on-how-to-use-ipad-in-your.html
In order for the students to fully understand the use of technology, their teachers must be able to initiate student engagement. "It is critical that we begin immediately to equip teachers with skills in information processing, visual literacy, problem solving and higher level thinking, ad hoc collaboration, effective graphic design skills, and a deep understanding of how technological tools can enhance the learning process" (Kelly 2009). Clearly the ways teachers go about teaching and assessing their students will change, and with the use of technology they will be able to more confidently get the most out of the students. _
In order for the students to fully understand the use of technology, their teachers must be able to initiate student engagement. "It is critical that we begin immediately to equip teachers with skills in information processing, visual literacy, problem solving and higher level thinking, ad hoc collaboration, effective graphic design skills, and a deep understanding of how technological tools can enhance the learning process" (Kelly 2009). Clearly the ways teachers go about teaching and assessing their students will change, and with the use of technology they will be able to more confidently get the most out of the students. _
Looking forward
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/6/8/17683821/3277065.jpg)
Students should feel engaged and want to be engaged in learning, and technology can assist in that. Anything from smartboards, IPads, and clickers will raise students' interest in learning, because they are all new technology that can get kids involved in their learning process. Technology is very hands on, and encourages the student to find what they are looking for, and gives them countless resources to do so. "Educational reformers believe education needs to be real and authentic for students. Technology can engage students in real-world activities" (stateuniversity.com 2013). This is very much true, and by getting students engaged, learning becomes more authentic and the students will comprehend the material. In the near future, students will have numerous resources that stem from technology, and they will utilize the resources they have. Teachers will also be able to keep a better watch on student progress, and can ultimately assess their students more thoroughly.