During my next class at Walden
University, I am to conduct a research project based on something in the field
of early childhood and something that is passionate to myself. The topic I
choose to research is in the genre of technology and early childhood education.
The main thesis is to see if standardized tests that are technology based have
different outcomes than the typical paper and pencil tests. The reason I am
picking this topic is because of what schools in my state and the district
where I teach are converting over to. I currently teach Kindergarten and in the
first few weeks of school, the students were taking a computer based tests so
that the district overall can see academically what the students know and what
they still need to learn or deepen their knowledge in. So far in my research I
have found more articles that have stated that the medium of the test does not
matter. I have also found that tests taken on computers have more of an
opportunity to provide application problems which will enhance accurate outcomes
of student knowledge. I have also found that computer based tests have less
stress for children than the typical paper and pencil tests. If anyone has any
information about standardized testing in technology vs. testing in the most
typical fashion, I would love to hear it! Here are three resources
that I have found so far that interested me, and I hope they interest you. I
hope the knowledge that I find can help improve my student’s success of the
tests, as well as everyone else that reads about my upcoming research.
Kearns, L. (2011). High-stakes Standardized
Testing and Marginalized Youth: An Examination of the Impact on Those Who Fail. Canadian Journal Of Education, 34(2), 112-130.
Miller, D. J., & Robertson, D. P. (2011).
Educational benefits of using game consoles in a primary classroom: A
randomized controlled trial. British Journal Of Educational Technology, 42(5), 850-864.
doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2010.01114.x
Wilma C. M., R., Wouter M. P., S., Xenidou-Dervou, I.,
Stevenson, C. E., & Julian G., E. (2011). Computerized Dynamic Testing: A
Study of the Potential of an Approach Using Sensor Technology. Journal Of Cognitive Education
& Psychology, 10(2), 178-194. doi:10.1891/19458959.10.2.178
Very Good topic.Test taking skills are ones that do stress the children out, so putting it on a computer could be different since children love to play on the computer. I am excited to see what you learn.
ReplyDeleteAbigail, that is a great topic to research because technology has indeed taken over almost every aspect of life from doctors offices, schools, online classrooms, our personal devices, etc. Although, technology can be more efficient, less time consuming, and offer more opportunity to cover more grounds, in the time of computer failure, or technology turmoil, the pen and paper will still be there for us. Thanks for sharing about technology and testing.
ReplyDeleteAbigail, we should have a better understanding of what could stress our children, and how do these test help them in developing skills to gain konwledge. I believe if one is easy for children to take we should make it happen, and give them thw very best. Great interest in children testing.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great topic to research. I actually considered getting my masters in technology through the university I attended for Undergrad. I look forward to reading what you learn! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat topic! I know from experience with my 13 and 10 year old they become very nervous when it's time for those high stakes test. In our state 4th and 8th graders are required to score basic and one achieving basic in order to past to the next grade. Some children are not good test takers and may not do as well as others.
ReplyDelete