Software

**Post the contents of this form into the “Tech Review” Discussion**

Describe the technology being used?
(Provide links and references so others can visit)

Renaissance Learning www.renlearn.com

How was the technology integrated into the assessment environment?

The Renaissance Learning tools provides formative assessments and periodic progress- monitoring for reading and math in grades K-12.

-What method (observation, selected response, written response, personal communication, performance, student reflection) of assessments were implemented using the technology? (Questions, see Stuart chapter ?)

The method used is selected response.

Was this a technology that replaced a current method of assessment or does it provide assessment opportunities previously not available without the advent of this technology. (For an in depth discussion of this, refer to the NAP article)

This technology replaced a current method of assessment.

In your opinion, what were some of the benefits of the tool?

This tool incoporates reading, math as well as writing practice and assessment. It also contains a responder system for immediate feedback. It also contains instructional materials to help the student improve their reading, math and writing skills.

In your opinion, what are the limitations of the tool?

The reporting and administration process can be a little cumbersome for teachers to use without sufficient training.

Do you see this as a tool that could be used in your educational setting?

Yes, we actually used 3 components this past year and many teachers were pleased with the information it provided for them.

Where did you learn about the tool (formal evaluation reports, vender case studies, etc.)?

From researching web-based assessments for our school district.

The Learning Achievement Tools by TaskStream provide ways to set up e-portfolios.
The e-porfolios would replace filing cabinets and boxes as storage locations for student work and would provide new opportunities for sharing the information among more people.

Popfly can be used to make mashups in student projects. Students can combine visuals from several sources into one single visual. For example photos can be combined with Virtual Earth to create global nature journals.

QuizStar is an online site where teachers can create quizzes and organize the results. Teachers sign up their classes and students obtain passwords. There are tools for managing results.

A web 2.0 technology assessment tool. This tool provides a wide selection of assessment tools. An educator is able to create interactive lessons. A library of tools are available to allow for the importing of content into powerpoint and Excel.

This tool would enhance units and provide students with a wider range of information than can be provided in the classroom. This tool provides an educator with a huge amount of recourses and online opportunities for creative assessments.