Using Web 2.0 for assessment
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I am developing the use of what I call Multidimensional maps as a mode of identifying learning priorities. This is just one small aspect of a keen interest in new approaches to assessment that includes collaborative and peer assessment.
I cannot see how teachers will get really enthusiastic unless they can influence the testing agenda...
Here is a summary of some interesting papers I have been reading- taken from my thesis so a bit dry :-)
A particular route for modernizing assessment that seems viable is to use Web 2.0 to narrow the gap between the everyday lives of students and the assessment practices imposed on them (Elliott 2008). Based on the views of students Elliott presents some key criteria for Web 2.0 assessment that MirandaNet CPD programmes are already implementing: active learning rather than passive receiving of knowledge; authentic learning experiences rather than contrived tasks: just in time learning; web searching for immediate information instead of memorizing facts; valuing the ability to know where to find answers; Google searches taking precedence over library searches; assessment that promotes and values collaboration not competition.
Elliot draws on Anderson to explain four new Web 2.0 developments that challenge the established university traditions of learning and assessment in teacher education. In the first place social networking like Facebook is encouraging an expectation that 'user-generated content' will be used in learning. Linked with this is the 'power of the crowd' - the collective intelligence that can be harnessed from large groups of people exemplified in the multi-authorship of Wikipedia. The concept of the 'architecture of participation' is based on the twin ideas that Web services must be easy to use (thereby encouraging participation) and organized in such a way as to improve as more people use them like Google Search. An aspect of ease-of-use that is particularly challenging to traditional assessment is the idea that not only is new content easy to create but it should be easily created from pre-existing content or easily combined with the contents of other web services ("mash-ups"). 'Openness' is the fourth development that not only refers to the use of open source software for many Web 2.0 services but also the philosophy of the free sharing of information and resources among users.
It is, therefore, relatively straight-forward to capture and share information or resources, such as embedding a YouTube video in a blog. The generous copyright terms of Creative Commons licenses illustrate this philosophy (Anderson 2006).
Anderson, P. (2006). "What is Web 2.0?" JISC Technology and Standards Watch 14-26.
Elliott, R. J. (2008). "Assessment 2.0" iJet http://www.i-jet.org 3(TEN Competence Open Workshop in Madrid: Special Issue 1, July).
Christina Preston
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