Resource material for the IT PGCE: using ICT to assess pupils in IT

This is the page for the session in which we discuss the use of ICT to assess pupils in IT. Index Introduction Learning Objectives Task 1: creating an on-line test Task 2: taking the on-line test devised by another group Task 3: creating a web or spreadsheet-based test (optional post-session extension) References Introduction If you wish to assess pupils' IT skills and/or capability then one obvious way of doing this is to set them an appropriate practical task. However, ICT tools are increasingly being used to create and mark tests - you for example will have to pass three government devised and ICT-based tests in order to gain QTS. In this session you will create a test using one system available to schools - the 'Mentor' system produced by Pearson. You will then take the test developed by another group and evaluate both it and the system. We will then discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using systems such as this. There are two optional (and post-session) extensions which illustrate the use of two other ICT tools for assessment - using web and spreadsheet-based instruments. The former involves the downloading and use of a (free) tool which allows you to design and publish web-based assessments; the latter builds on the work of previous BTs who have built Excel-based systems to automatically mark tests set for a variety of years. ICT can also be used to record pupils' progress and aid the setting of appropriate targets. This aspect of the use of ICT in IT is the topic for the part of Assignment 1.1 in which you produce and document an Excel-based record system. Return to top of this page Learning Objectives The learning objectives for this session are that by the end you should: be able to create an on-line test using the Mentor system; have an understanding of the benefits and limitations of such tools. Return to top of this page Task 1: creating an on-line test This should take about 40 minutes. You will be assigned one of the Mentor IT datasets available on the machines in 915 to create a simple test. The test should be designed to take no more than 15 minutes (preferably 10) to complete. Mentor can be used to make a number of different types of test and each group will be allocated one to try. You should make a note of: which strands/levels of the IT National Curriculum your test is designed to assess; any difficulties you had in creating a test to assess these strands/levels; any practical difficulties you had in implementing the test - and of anything that you wished to do but could not. Please note: the Mentor programme is free - it is the datasets that you pay for; you can download the programme and the manual; datasets are available for a number of curriculum areas - you can see a full list at the Mentor website. Return to top of this page Task 2: taking the on-line test devised by another group This task should take about 35 minutes - 15 to take the test and 20 to discuss your reactions. You should take the test devised by another group and note: which strands/levels of the IT National Curriculum you feel it is assessing; how well or badly different parts of the test assess these strands/levels; any practical difficulties you have in taking the test - e.g. in understanding the questions/answers. We will then discuss the reactions of the group to the programme and the tests. Return to top of this page Task 3: creating a web or spreadsheet-based test (optional post-session extension) Web-based test 'Hot Potato' is a programme which allows you to create web-based assessments. You need to register and to download the programme. If you wish to experiment with this programme, you should register with 'Halfbaked' and download their programme. (There is an extensive list of HotPotato tutorials.) Note that similar (but greater) functionality is available in programmes such as the 'Coursebuilder' extension to Dreamweaver. Spreadsheet-based test In previous years BTs have used spreadsheets to produce tests for a variety of year groups. See for example the tests for Year 7 produced by David McNaughton and those for Year 9 and Year 11 produced by John Enemuwe. You can experiment with these and adapt them for your own use. Return to top of this page References See chapter 8 of 'Learning to Teach Using ICT in the Secondary School' edited by Marylin Leask and Norbert Pachler (Institute library reference Loyx Ref LEA), which discusses assessment in and through ICT. Return to top of this page Back to PGCE Information Technology Home Page Back to Institute of Education Home Page This page is maintained by Tim Brosnan. Please send any comments to: t.brosnan@ioe.ac.uk Last updated on 1st July 2001.