Learning and Leading - September/October 2010

that include actual artifacts of student work provides triangulation of learning beyond the singular state test and will expand and define patterns for a more valid and accurate picture of student success. Schools and districts can provide quality evidence to show where students are in their achievement of digital age skills, as opposed to the attainment of basic facts and skills that standardized tests assess.

Teachers as Knowledge Creators Knowing how to use technology tools does not necessarily support teachers transitioning from traditional text-based products to the rigor of activities and media-based tools that develop information seekers, collaborators, analyzers of credible sources, problem solvers, and effective communicators. Teachers need to create their own digital works to understand the multiple skills associated with authoring multimedia products, such as:

• Defining audience and purpose

• Documenting credible research

• Using elements of effective communication

• Writing rigorous and engaging scripts/story lines

• Designing information and media planning

• Editing audio, images, and videos

• Collaborating

• Managing projects

Assessment for Learning

Over the past 10 years, I have conducted workshops and onsite evaluations that included digital products and consulted on grant initiatives using the scoring guides in this article. They are designed to support assessment for learning. Use them to:

• Elevate perspectives for using technology

• Shape achievement goals

• Identify strengths and weaknesses in standards

• Set the stage for a multitude of skills
needed to develop successful learn-
ing environments in the digital age
I have also found that students who
have crafted serious pieces of work are
a lot less interested in “cluttering” up
their message when designing their
media products.

The student scoring guide tools and collaborative processes enable leaders to organize educators to develop more rigorous student uses of technology. And seeing achievement and learning through the lens of student work is informative, eye-opening, and fun.

Bernajean Porter is a featured speaker, workshop guide, and facilitator at national and international events who shares strategies for using technology to rediscover and accelerate joyful learning.