105 - Technology and Data Analysis - Session 1 - Lesson 5

Technology & Data Analysis — Session 1, Lesson 5

Focus: using iPads and apps for student assessment — features, workflows, and resources for teachers.

Key assessment tools

Zearn

• Math-focused platform offering placement and skill-based tests.
• Automatically grades student work and delivers adaptive items based on responses.
• Engaging on iPads.
• Typically requires a school subscription.

Microsoft Reading Progress

• Part of Microsoft’s classroom tools; teachers upload passages (custom or curriculum).
• Students record themselves reading (camera/microphone) and can playback their recordings.
• Automatically marks words right/wrong and reports reading speed (WPM) and accuracy; teachers can edit results.
• Useful for fluency practice and monitoring application of spelling/patterns.
• Free within Microsoft accounts if the district/school supports it; requires creating a class and student access.

Google Forms / Microsoft Forms

• Create quizzes/surveys with multiple choice, true/false, or short-answer items.
• Best for automatically graded item types (multiple choice, etc.); open-response items require manual grading.
• Good for quick assessments like fact drills or basic checks.

Pages (Apple Pages)

• Distribute worksheets/assessments digitally; students annotate with Apple Pencil or finger.
• Students can return work via AirDrop for a paperless workflow.
• Encourages engagement and reduces printing.

Broader iPad features & classroom points

• Built-in accessibility features and native Apple apps support reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• District-approved downloadable apps can supplement built-in tools.
• iPad-based assessments tend to be more engaging and can improve performance/participation.
• Practical setup: create classes/accounts, share access with students, ensure devices are connected and configured.

Resources, guides, and tutorials

• Apple Support — “Setup basics”: step-by-step guidance for turning on iPads, locating features, and enabling accessibility options.
• Apple Teacher program: free courses and certification for teachers; training on Apple apps and classroom use (Pages, note-taking apps, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Classroom discussion/reflection prompts included in the course syllabus for teacher practice and planning.

Limitations / Notes

• Some platforms (e.g., Zearn) require paid subscriptions.
• Short-answer responses in forms need teacher grading.
• Successful use requires class account setup and reliable student-device connectivity.

Main speakers / sources

• Presenter: course instructor (Apple‑certified teacher; provides demos and classroom guidance)
• Products/sources referenced: Zearn; Microsoft Reading Progress; Microsoft Forms; Google Forms; Apple Pages; Apple Support; Apple Teacher program

Summary takeaway: iPads plus a mix of built-in features and district-approved apps enable engaging, flexible assessment workflows, but effective implementation requires accounts, connectivity, and attention to subscription/grading limitations.