Competency-based learning refers to “systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that are based on students demonstrating that they have learned the knowledge and skills they are expect to learn.”
How students can demonstrate competencies using technology:
1. Audio Recording: Students can use a tool, such as Voice Thread, to record their thoughts on a topic and submit the recording. I think that allowing this as an option or perhaps requiring it instead of writing can be so, so beneficial as either a formative or summative assessment. Sharing knowledge out loud is an organic, unedited process. Frequently, when I am speaking, I talk my way into an idea. I think this is such an important experience for students to have, as it will demonstrate their competency (or areas of struggle) both to them and to their teacher.
2. Infographics: Having students create a visual representation of ideas can really help student who learn spatially. This can be done by hand (sketch notes) or online through something like Canva. Considering how to display information has students thinking about things like categorizing, importance of ideas, and so on. An infographic must really focus on the most important parts, so a filtering and concentration process must happen, too. All extremely valuable, higher-order thinking skills.
3. Zoom Discussion: I had several seminars during remote learning through Zoom. Students prepped discussion questions and I took on an observer's role as students talked about our novel. Here, I can formatively assess student engagement, preparation, creativity, thoughtfulness, ability to think on their feet, and so much more. It was such a worthwhile experience and I’m glad I decided to have my classes meet and discuss through Zoom rather than rely on discussion boards the whole time (which I certainly used, too!)
How students can demonstrate competencies using technology:
1. Audio Recording: Students can use a tool, such as Voice Thread, to record their thoughts on a topic and submit the recording. I think that allowing this as an option or perhaps requiring it instead of writing can be so, so beneficial as either a formative or summative assessment. Sharing knowledge out loud is an organic, unedited process. Frequently, when I am speaking, I talk my way into an idea. I think this is such an important experience for students to have, as it will demonstrate their competency (or areas of struggle) both to them and to their teacher.
2. Infographics: Having students create a visual representation of ideas can really help student who learn spatially. This can be done by hand (sketch notes) or online through something like Canva. Considering how to display information has students thinking about things like categorizing, importance of ideas, and so on. An infographic must really focus on the most important parts, so a filtering and concentration process must happen, too. All extremely valuable, higher-order thinking skills.
3. Zoom Discussion: I had several seminars during remote learning through Zoom. Students prepped discussion questions and I took on an observer's role as students talked about our novel. Here, I can formatively assess student engagement, preparation, creativity, thoughtfulness, ability to think on their feet, and so much more. It was such a worthwhile experience and I’m glad I decided to have my classes meet and discuss through Zoom rather than rely on discussion boards the whole time (which I certainly used, too!)