Re: New computer writing testing from NAEP. This article is noteworthy for two reasons: (1) our nation's students perform poorly on writing skills, (2) the writing test evaluated details about what, and when word processing tools were accessed. Although we in Title I are not involved with writing skills, we will be using computers for student testing for the first time. There is a natural evolution to test students using computers so all of us need to pay attention to what details our students seem vulnerable. Soon, all sections of the NAEP test will be comuterized as well as state testing.
After our first experience with MAP testing, what have you noticed about our student's facility with computers? What might need to be addressed with our testees?
NAEP Shows Most Students Lack Writing Proficiency. Nora Fleming.9.13.12. Education Week - Premium Week
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/09/14/04naep.h32.html?tkn=RYTFPWOwkrlFhJJvB3C%2BxZ%2BaN4iVhknWc4rj&cmp=ENL-DD-NEWS1
I've noticed that students have a very difficult time focusing while using the computers. Thinking back to when I was in high school and had the opportunity to work on projects using computers, we weren't as familiar with the internet and technology as our students are today. Our students are completely submerged in a digital world; they are consumed by the cell phones, Facebook/twitter accounts, Youtube and gaming.
ReplyDeleteWe have had multiple issues with students straying from the computer program APEX and hiding Youtube videos, Pandora or gaming websites behind the APEX window. We are working to block these popular websites to cut down on the distractions; however, the multitude of internet media is too large to control.
When it comes to utilizing computer programming such as APEX or the MAP test, I've noticed that students are very quick to click! By this, I mean that they are too impatient to read what's on the screen and follow all of the directions. (i.e., "This is too much!!!" or "This is so boring!") Students today are so programmed to being told exactly where to find the answer to a question that they do not read thoroughly enough and therefore do not reach those higher levels of critical thinking. I have been working very hard to teach my students to read everything on the screen, read all of the directions, and read all of the questions before they jump to the wrong conclusion or immediately ask for assistance. I am always telling my students to "problem solve," because before reading what's on the screen, they throw their hands in the air and ask me, "what am I supposed to do?"
I know that other teachers at MHS have the same issues, and we are constantly trying new techniques to encourage our students to stay focused, read the directions, and do their best. I would love to hear how other students are doing with the APEX program or with MAPS testing! Are there any suggestions for teaching the students how to utilize this technology without getting frustrated because they actually have to read for information?
I understand Kaytie's frustration and thought to myself that clicking could very well become a problem. Kids are so programmed to click, click, click in fast-paced gaming and similar digital activities. They are used to instant gratification. I thought at the time that our MAP testing mantra should be "THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK!" Suggestions: Write the mantra on your whiteboard....Have the kids say it out loud.....Remind them that this is a TEST!....They are allowed only ONE click. Talk about "clicking" behavior with the kids. Ask them what is likely to happen if they don't "Think before they click." Repeating the mantra at each test opportunity might make a difference. Soon the state states will be computerized so kids will have to get used to this test-taking method.
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