Know What They Know
Presenters: Jan Lay & Steve Nodine
Recognizing how well students have grasped a subject can be an elusive goal. While they may seem to understand a topic, there is no sure way to confirm this without assessments. Traditional assessments can be quite time consuming, and quick in-class questions can be cursory to the point of ineffectiveness. “Pre-flight” or “pre-class” on-line surveys provide an instructor with a view of students’ understanding or preconceptions leading into a class session, which allows for just-in-time fine-tuning of classroom presentations and activities. Classroom response systems or “clickers” offer a means to instantly reinforce learning or alert the instructor and students that more instruction is needed. Used together, these tools will enhance and solidify learning, and they confirm to instructors and students alike when mastery has been achieved. We will use both systems during this presentation to model this process and engage the participants. Discussion questions will focus on what assessment devices audience members are currently using, and their perceived success.
Steve Nodine is the Faculty Training Coordinator at Clemson University. He conducts training workshops on the use of the Blackboard Learning System and related products, consults with faculty in instructional design, and is part of the “Teaching and Learning” team that provides high-level technical support to faculty, staff and students.
Jan Lay is the ePortfolio Training Coordinator at Clemson University. She conducts training sessions for students on the Blackboard Learning System, the Blackboard ePortfolio tool, and the use of other web design and supplementary software. Additionally, she is a member of the “Emerging Technology Group” and part of the “Teaching and Learning” team that provides high-level technical support to faculty, staff and students.