Formative assessment is simply defined ongoing activity that assists teachers to track students’ learning and progress. Also, Black and Wiliam (1998) define formative assessment as: “all those activities undertaken by teachers, and/or by their students, which provide information to be used as feedback to modify the teaching and learning activities in which they are engaged (p.82)”. The results may help them adjust the instruction and make decisions in designing the learning environment. Not only teachers but also students gain information about their performance.
Despite the simple definition, it might be challenging to apply the strategies to have feedback by means of formative assessment. In this respect, digital learning tools might increase the effectiveness of formative assessment activities in classrooms (Faber, Huyten, Visscher, 2017). With digital learning tools like mobile devices, or individualized online learning environments students can practice with assignments adapted to their learning needs. Moreover, students can receive feedback immediately after assignments or assessments are completed.
Feedback is an essential element in formative assessment, and the effectiveness of digital formative assessment tools (DFAT) will therefore depend to a largely on the nature of the feedback provided by such tools. The success of feedback is chiefly based on the content, timing and context where the feedback is provided.
In order to transform the teaching and learning process, educators can integrate the digital tools below. My favorite one is Nearpod. I usually enrich my teaching with Nearpod. It constantly provides feedback and assess the ongoing performance of students. It’s a great tool to increase the motivation, learning outcomes and assessment.
Popular Digital Formative Assessment Tools
References
Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: principles, policy & practice, 5(1), 7-74.
Faber, J. M., Luyten, H., & Visscher, A. J. (2017). The effects of a digital formative assessment tool on mathematics achievement and student motivation: Results of a randomized experiment. Computers & education, 106, 83-96.
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1 comments On Digital Formative Assessment and My favorite Tools
Great post, Nazmi.
I would say that my favourites here are Kahoot and Mentimeter for real-time formative assessment activities, while flip grid is my favourite for out-of-class formative assessment and reflection.
Look forward to reading more of your articles.
Jim