Authentic language assessment online

Cecily Wright

Issues

“before language faculty throw themselves into this

movement; there are a number of logistic,

pedagogical and professional issues that would need

to be addressed” Robert Godwin-Jones(2012)

Godwin-Jones, Robert. (2012). Emerging technologies challenging hegemonies in online learning. Language Learning & Technology, 16 (2), 4-13.

authentic assessment

Principles of authentic assessment• application of knowledge and skills• explicitly stated criteria• higher order thinking• real-world context• collaboration with experts and peers• best performances across time• no set answers• teacher as a guide and supervisor • ongoing feedback

4

References• Lam, W., Williams, J. B., & Chua, A. Y. K. (2007). E-xams: harnessing the power

of ICTs to enhance authenticity. EducationalTechnology & Society, 10 (3), 209-221.

• Gulikers, J. M., T. Bastiaens, et al. (2004). A five-dimensional framework for authentic assessment.Educational Technology Research and Development 52(3): 67-86.

• Oskoz, A. (2005). Students' dynamic assessment via online chat. Calico Journal, 22(3)

• Blake, R. J. (2009). The Use of Technology for Second Language Distance Learning. The Modern Language Journal 93: 822-835.

• Liang, Xin & Kim Creasy (2004). Classroom assessment in web-based instructional environment: instructors’ experience. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 9(7)

Assessment for learning• ongoing/continuous• based on interaction and participation• improves instruction• focuses on achievable learning objectives• promotes a continuous feedback process

Image created in Wordle from the text of Gulikers et al (2004) A five-dimensional framework for authentic assessment. Educational Technology Research & Development

FLO Live

Explicitly stated criteria

Higher order thinking tasks in real-world context

Task: Prepare an oral presentation of 3-5 minutes based on one of the advertised excursions. Tell the story of your imagined participation in this excursion.

Authentic resources

Interaction and collaboration

Interaction and collaboration

Interaction and collaboration

Interaction and collaboration

Interaction and collaboration

Live and immediate feedback

Text chat area

Speaker and microphone

Recording sessions

Issue Solution

Small text on shared screens and documents

• Participants select the Full screen button.• Host uses the File sharing pod to share

documents

Audio settings for different roles can be confusing

• Participants automatically promoted to Presenters

Two different ways in which a website can be shared

• Practice

Text displaying incorrectly • Upload slides before session and check readability in FLO Live

Online multimedia (e.g. YouTube video) difficult to share

• Videos to be watched as an asynchronous activity before the online session

Conclusion

• continuous engagement and participation

• carefully planned topic objectives and

criteria

• authentic resources and activities

• application of knowledge and skills to

communicate competently