Discussion
- Teachers can set up and lead discussion in their online classroom.
- Tools are available for teachers to measure and evaluate student responses without having to read each and every post made be the students. One such tool is called the Discussion Analysis Tool, or ForumManager.
Rubrics
- Rubrics are used to define the performances expected from the student.
- Teachers can construct their own rubrics, listing each key element of the assignment and the criteria needed to earn specific credit.
- There are many websites available that allow teachers to create their own rubrics, including RubiStar and Rubrician.
Drill and Practice Software
- Students can play games online and other activities to practice skills. There are many different websites available to cover a wide range of skills including chemistry, math, and vocabulary.
Self-Reflection
- Reflection of one's own learning is a important part of the learning process.
- Journaling is one way students can reflect on their learning. Teachers have a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing how students submit a journal. Students can use a blog, wiki, word processing document, discussion questions, etc.
(Conrad & Donaldson, 2004)
What are some tools your instructors have used for feedback? Are there any different kinds you can think of?
ReplyDeleteMost feedback has come from Blackboard and that is helpful because you know where it is and can refer back to it. I find myself referring back to comments frequently. Another professor used audio feedback. I had to listen to the audio several times to take enough notes to know what I needed to do to improve. It was a little annoying - and those audio files are now kaput...
ReplyDeleteJennifer Schmidt
Success Maker is a program that adjust to the students abilities and provides instant feedback to the students and the teacher. It ranks the students based on the standards and grade level.
ReplyDeleteJosh Earls
I agree with the audion file Jennifer. I also had a class where all feedback was given as an audio file and I would find myself taking tons of notes while listening and then had to reread my notes to know exactly what was expected. I also like Blackboard because I can print the suggestions and utilize them for other projects.
ReplyDeleteI have had classes as well with audio feedback and I have found it hard to really get specifics on what I needed to improve on. Rubrics are the most helpful thing for me because I can see exactly what is expected from the assignment. I use rubrics and grading sheets in my classroom so my students are aware of my expectations before the project or assignment is turned in. I also like to show them examples of projects or assignments that were extremely well done and ones that were not so well done. This gives them some practical examples and helps them focus more on the assignment.
ReplyDeleteWell, how about a non llinear powerpoint that gives students immediate feedback on skills?
ReplyDeleteSteff S
The audio file was difficult for me as well. I would have to take notes and then go back and look at my work. I find the rubric to be a great way to present feedback. It really allows the leaner to know exactly how he or she performed.
ReplyDeleteAudio feedback and instructions are difficult for me as well. I usually turn off my sound when working on a computer. I am a visual/read type of learner. My daughter's school uses a recorded telephone call to announce messages. By the time the recording gets to the middle, I can't remember the beginning. I remember taking a lot of notes with the audio feedback in a class or two. Replay repeat, replay, repeat. For some reason, hearing where I messed up on a paper or project has more of an ouch factor than reading the criticism, no matter how constructive. Especially when you get to hear about those mistakes several times on the repeats! :)
ReplyDeleteI have not had online classes, but I like the idea of using a (monkey) survey before the concept is presented to see what they know about the concept or to find out if they have the right prerequisite skills. Also, a short online quiz through Vista or www.proprofs.com is a great way to see if the class is understanding the concept. Here is where the instructor can offer more clarifying materials or have the student re-read the materials and try the quiz again (say if is below 70%).
ReplyDeleteI know that creating audio feedback might be easier for professors that have multiple classes to provide feedback for however, sometimes I feel like it is a little less personable than a written response would be. I also have to take notes and listen to the feedback a few times to truly understand. I also have to pull up the assignment and look at it to see what the professor is implying.
ReplyDeleteMary survey monkey is a very easy and free quiz maker. This was my first time using it, when creating the quiz for this lesson and I have to say, I would use it again. It even provides you with results after each student takes the quiz so it makes creating a lesson easy. I have not tried to create a pre-assessment through proprofs.com, maybe when the opportunity arrises to create another quiz, I will have to try that one out too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI use rubrics and reflection in my feedback. Students seem to appreciate the written reflection most, so I use that often. I have a behavior change project where I read their journals while they are trying to change a health behavior, and a diet analysis project where they reflect on their food habits - but both of these take HOURS to do. I wish I could do audio feedback, but hearing the disadvantages, I'd be a bit worried. I hate rubrics. As a student, I like them, but as an instructor it really stifles the mind...at least in my opinion. I hate specifiying how many pages, etc, but for some people, it's necessary so I do it. Rubrics are a lot more useful for task-oriented assignments, with clear cut points and pieces. Just my opinion. ~CS
ReplyDeleteRubrics and written feedback really allow the students to see how they did and why they received the grade they did. CS you make some good points about rubrics. I, too, like them as a learner, but not so much as an instructor.
ReplyDeleteSo far the main tool has been discussion, but I'm anxious to see what other tools are out there.
ReplyDeleteI have been impressed by some of the resources utilized by this class (Survey Monkey, etc.).
Most of the feedback from my instructors has been through email in Blackboard. One class used audio files for feedback. I just typed notes while I was listening to it. But, I did have to play it several times, too.
ReplyDeleteThese are really the only means of feedback which I have experienced also however, I also had a class which used audio files to give feedback. Although this was an interesting way to give feedback, it was very time consuming to try and take notes while listening to the things which I needed to work on in my project. I had to listen to the file multiple times to make sure I got it all. I would try and use these sparringly or with projects which do not require a lot of feedback.
ReplyDeleteJody I never thought about typing notes :) I will have to try that if this type of feedback appears again. Thanks for sharing.
I've experienced email feedback mainly from submitted assignments in Vista, written feedback on papers in f2f, and audio feedback. I don't have a preference as long as I'm getting feedback on my work.
ReplyDeleteI DO like the idea of pre-surveys (have not experienced that) and I DO like interactive ongoing assessment such as practice exercises, quizes, etc. that allow for self-testing of knowledge before taking the actual exam. This can all be done using the assessment tools in Vista without using outside resources - although it might be easier for many instructors to use Web 2.0 tools than deal with learning the backend of Vista.