A Quick Glance at Formative and Summative Technology Assessment Tools Laura Gottardo Grand Canyon University- TEC 546 7/21/2011
An Example of Formative Assessment Technologies WriteToLearn (WTL) Click Here for A Video to Introduce You to WTL pearsonschool.com
WTL What is it? Is it computer or web based? WriteToLearn is a web-based tool that integrates practice and assessment in reading comprehension with writing about what is learned through formative assessments. WriteToLearn Homesite
Costs What does it cost? WTL costs under $20 per student for one year with a minimum of 20 unit purchase. This includes 24/7 service. Volume discounts are available. For more information contact NCS Pearson, Inc. or go to pearsonschool.com
WTL Data What kind of data does the tool produce? The Summary Street of WTL, uses Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), which compares the individual’s summary to the readings they are summarizing to check for understanding. Summary Street evaluates: (a) content (b) length (c) copying (d) spelling (e) redundancy and (f) irrelevancy. The Intelligent Essay Assessor (IEA) of WTL can rate the following: effective use of sentences, focus, grammar, usage, mechanics, word choice, or voice Class Reports can also be produced. (See next slide for example). Landauer, Thomas K., Lochbaum, Karen E., & Dooley, Scott. (2009). Example of an individual report generated by Summary Street of WTL
Example of Class Generated Report
WTL Data How can data be used to drive instruction and differentiate? WTL generates graphical and visual reports in real time of all student or class activities. This can be a powerful tool for parents and teachers in deciding when intervention is necessary and in what area of reading and writing it is most necessary. Student assignments can be individualized to address the proficiency levels of students by – adjusting scoring thresholds – response time – choosing different spell-check and grammar options