Using Technology to Assess Students

Rivero’s article Assessments: A Brave New World, is about a new system called the Instructional Data Management System. This system is used in schools to record and upload assessments that students take in the classroom. Teachers can then compare the assessments and organize them so students can be grouped in appropriate levels. The system is working with the standards of the No Child Left Behind Act, attempting to make sure that every student receives the appropriate instruction needed. With this new system, teachers can get help from other teachers and use the data from the assessments to individualize the instruction and education that they give to their students. The goal for No Child Left Behind is to treat students not as an entire group, but to help every student in succeed.

I really enjoyed reading this article and I think that the system is something that all schools should really try to use. It seems as though it may be a lot of work at first, but the rewards are endless. Teachers will be able to focus their attention on individual needs of their students, and will be more proficient in their instruction. It is often difficult for teachers to go through every assignment and assessment in order to focus on what each student needs. One of the goals of this system is to help organize teachers and to maximize their time in developing lessons and instruction. Another goal is to create an online portal where parents can review their children’s information. The system is also trying to create online assessments that will allow teachers to quickly evaluate their students.

With little time for anything as a teacher, systems such as this one will be extremely helpful. This system is helping schools reach their goals and allowing students to be successful in the classroom. With more individualized instruction, students are getting the one-on-one instruction that they need, and teachers are not having to spend extra time in creating the lessons. I would really like to see this system show up in more schools across the country because I think that the benefits are endless. What teacher would not like to make their life a little easier, while helping their students succeed?