How VIEWpath® Can Take Student Assessment to the Next Level
What do you think of when you hear the words “student assessment”? For many, just hearing the phrase can bring unwelcome images of high-stakes standardized testing. Thankfully, that’s not the only tool teachers have to gauge student progress. Essentially, there are two types of classroom assessment: formative and summative. Formative assessments are usually low-stakes and provide immediate feedback to teachers. Exit slips, short quizzes, and “thumbs-up/thumbs-down” strategies fall into this category. Summative assessments are higher-stakes evaluations, like projects, end-of-chapter tests, and presentations.
Classroom video, like Audio Enhancement’s VIEWpath, can enrich and develop both types of assessment. VIEWpath allows teachers to record, store and share what’s happening in their classroom through a unique 360-degree camera permanently installed in the ceiling. On a day-to-day basis, teachers can review classroom learning for indicators of understanding. It’s impossible for teachers to give every student their full attention all the time. Johnny’s teacher may not notice that he looks confused every time a science concept involves mitosis; but later, when everyone has gone home for the day, it may be obvious when reviewing the recording. At the same time, the teacher may see that Sarah is straining to see the board. Having this kind of information is crucial to successful learning, and classroom video can provide it.
Classroom video is a great tool for summative assessments, too. Recorded oral presentations can be more easily reviewed and graded when students have gone home for the day, and with the option to send the video to the student for self-reflection, the learning process comes full circle. In addition, being able to review how a student behaves in class allows teachers to give richer feedback to parents and students on report cards and in parent-teacher conferences.
Adding VIEWpath to teachers’ arsenals of assessment tools can bring an additional layer of understanding to both teachers and students. After all, that’s the whole point of assessment—helping teachers understand where students are excelling and where they need to grow.
