Journal 3: Assessment Made Easy
Citation: Zucker, Andrew A. (Jun/Jul 2009). Assessment made easy. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved July 20, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/
Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_June_July.htm

Summary: The article profiled the Denver School of Science and Technology, highlighting the significance, that this school was the first to become a one to one laptop school. The article also went on to discuss all the benefits associated with the use and implementation of such technology through encouraging statistics and positive impressions given both by education professionals and students. Overall, both educators and students seem to agree that a common element to this system that both sides appreciate is the ability to give and receive constructive feedback in a more expedient way than before with traditional paper grading and scoring methods. When questioned, both students and educators seemed to really like the speed component of using the computerized system. For educators, the most appealing aspect is the fast rate a pace at which the can complete and return grades as well as, provide constructive advice. And for students, it is speed by which they get such responses from the educator that they most appreciate.

Q & A

Does Technology have a correlation with improved academic achievement?
I believe personally, that it does. As suggested in the article, the particular school has a higher percentage of high school graduates, when compared with the rest of the state of Colorado. And overall, the student exposed to this method of instruction had a more positive attitude and outlook on education and academics. In addition, educators have become more effective instructors. Because, this system enables them to gage the competency levels of their class so that, educators may assess which areas need attention.

Would this be a system of learning that could be applied to all schools and all grade levels?

I feel that it could, if it were modified to fit in with the standards and requirements of the specific grade levels. However, as suggested by the article, the use of this new technology by itself, will not necessarily guarantee academic success. There are other components which need to be in place or present. Such as, knowledgeable and effective teachers and administrators and receptive students.