ICT and assessment

Assessment is an integral part of the everyday life of teachers. Indeed, the main challenge facing us in this chapter is to reconsider how familiar assessment practices can be adapted, radically changed or replaced with the use of ICT. An added complication is the constant and fast-moving development of technology, allied to the fact that many pupils begin primary school as highly skilled and experienced users of technology. We need to consider how best to use these skills and experiences to allow pupils to take not only an active part in their own learning, but also in the assessment of themselves and others. In the past, assessment was often something that was done to pupils. Although elements of this remain in some types of summative assessments, increasingly pupils are seen as active partners in their learning, and assessment is something that is done with them and for them. Indeed, it may be argued that assessment is also done for the parents of these pupils and we need to consider how to involve them in the process and share relevant information using a variety of media to help them gain a better understanding of how their child is achieving. In this chapter we will explore how all members of the school community can benefit from using ICT in assessment.