Last year, as I learned how to navigate the e-learning platforms and tools to support a Spanish immersion school during remote learning, I implemented various strategies to increase student’s engagement and motivation during asynchronous work. Initially, I created assignments with dropboxes to submit files or video recordings. Then, we gradually started using discussion boards, surveys, quizzes, and peer assessments as I explored the affordances and constraints of each of them. We used these features every week, and once they mastered them, we were all ready for something new.
Even though these activities enriched the classroom experience, I realized that incorporating different tools will always be essential to keep students stimulate, enhance the learning process and add some fun into the virtual environment.
Last week, in my Assessment Design Checklist, I mentioned that utilizing digital tools can make a difference in the way students acquire information and learn self-correction. I also reflected on how using electronic portfolios could be an effective way to see students’ progress and monitor their learning. For this reason, I wanted to explore a different e-learning platform and feature to find more options for assessments.
Thinking about other ways to assess middle school students and help them to improve their writing skills in Spanish, I designed an assessment in Canvas with electronic portfolios. I am sharing my experience in the following video:
Purpose of the assessment:
Help students to develop their writing skills and demonstrate understanding of the Spanish language through poetry appreciation.
In the Spanish immersion program, students are fluent in the target language and producing activities that enhance their critical thinking is essential for their growth. For Spanish Language Arts especially designing assessments that help learners to become thinkers and creators is part of the curriculum standard and it was the focus on this assessment:
Standard: show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
I think that incorporating an electronic portfolio will benefit students in many ways:
Track their work throughout the school year
Provide feedback to peers
Have a different online interaction
I will consider using this feature in the virtual classroom; exploring different tools and features will bring new approaches and positives experiences for both learners and teachers.
About Canvas
Since it was my first time using Canvas, I had to create a new course and watched some videos about electronic portfolios. The process was simple and easy. The interface is clean, and users can build course content without any issues. Sections can be organized by categories, units, or standards and seem to be always accessible for learners and teachers. Overall, Canvas has all the essential tools and resources to support remote learning.
Electronic Portfolio / Spanish Language Art Assessment/ Middle School
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