Reading Post # 8

Authentic assessment takes place id different contexts, assess both process and outcomes, are spread over time, fit the content and method of what is taught, and it should not be tested out of context. It is very important for the students to know the expectations and be familiar with the manner in which their teacher assesses their work. Computers can be used to perform the assessment for you or the teacher can use the computer to assess the product and process of the student's work. Ideally we want to use both ways as an assessment tool. I've actually only used the computer to create rubrics or to carry out the assessment, where the students print out their score after a grammar exercise or tool. The software that comes with our textbook actually includes a reference section and other resources for the student to use while working on an activity. The reference section is the actual grammar explanation found in the textbook, therefore the students are quite familiar with it. Brain Cogs sound like a pretty good resource for students to develop cognitive strategies and metacognitive skills.Even though you can always implement the 5 cogs mentioned in the classroom with pencil & paper, it would be a fun way for the students to apply these clogs through the usage of a computer. Plus the teacher can also track down the students' progress easier as the students are working on a student-centered project where the students are applying 13 cognitive strategies where they can use graphics, sound, and text. Sounds like a good assessment tool!!