Using Technology for Assessment

Philip Pullman said an interview with Scholastic Book Clubs (n.a.), “after nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”  Throughout human history, it is through story that we pass on our culture, societal norms, customs, and learning. Digital storytelling combines this tradition with technology as students use narrative, images, and music to craft a visual tale.  Through digital storytelling students build many skill sets, including historical thinking, literacy, research, presentation, and twenty-first century skills.     

​

Finding the right video-editing program for digital storytelling can be challenging.  For schools on a budget or with limited technology tools, Adobe Spark should be the number one choice.  Adobe Spark Video is an outstanding digital tool that helps students create a professional looking video through a user-friendly interface.  It is free, offers pre-made templates, includes creative commons music, integrates with Google Photos, and allows for narration recording.  Each time a user logs into their account, a short tutorial video will play, reminding the user how each part of the program works.  Pop-up prompts help guide users through the steps of creating their project. The videos automatically save while students are working on them, so they do not need to fear losing all their hard work.

​

There are some limitations on editing ability, as there is little choice of font and design style.  These limitations are also positive, as new users are not overwhelmed with too many choices or the need for deep technical knowledge.  Students can confidently learn to use the program and build their skills. It also saves time, as students do not go overboard with customization options and there still enough to keep the student engaged. It is easy to upload photos to the video through the user's computer, Google Photos, or creative commons items. Creative Commons photographs are atomically cited on the citation slide.  Music works similarly, as users can upload songs or use the creative commons songs included with Adobe Spark.  While there are many video editing programs, Adobe Spark has become my top choice.  

Adobe Spark can empower students to realize their ability to create outstanding products.  They build their creative, design, and critical thinking skills while they are constructing technological knowledge of video creation.  The creative process of using Adobe Sparks helps students build their leadership skills.  Students must think of their audience and what they will learn by watching the video.  They must become a good listener for their audience, and essential leadership quality (Warfield, 2016).  Creating an engaging story is the ultimate goal, and Adobe Sparks helps students through the design process. Students may struggle to put a traditional script into a video. The easy to use features and pop-up reminders help students through the process.  There is also a time limit to slides so students will not spend too much time on one slide.  Students can easily preview their video at any step of the process, so they do not need to wait to the end to make corrections or changes.  Collaboration and sharing are easy through the many options offered with Adobe Spark.  For classroom safety, students can share a link, e-mail or share directly to Google Classroom.  

​

Overall, Adobe Spark is an excellent authentic assessment tool.  It motivates students to create engaging visual stories as they explore content in a more profound, more personal way.   Unlike a traditional assessment, students must employ higher order thinking skills as they analyze and synthesize their resources and design their digital story using Adobe Spark.  They motivated and connected to their learning.  

​

There may be students who, based on the outcome of their digital story, still need some extra support and modifications. A self-evaluation would be a great place to start as students look back over their learning and assess their strengths and weakness; where they did well with the project and where they need to improve.  After the self-assessment students would have a conference with the teacher to discuss their ideas.  The conference would empower the students to take charge, and be responsible for their learning.  As the digital story was as an individual project, a collaborative group assignment would be a good strategy to try.  Groups would be assigned based on student ability, with groups including with both high and low-level students.  Having students of different levels in the group benefits all learners.  Students can share their different perspectives and help build each other up through their collaborative endeavors.  

​

Digital storytelling is an authentic assessment strategy that allows students to apply their knowledge and build their twenty-first-century skills. Adobe Spark Video provides a free, and user-friendly service for students to create their stories.  They spend less time on the technical editing process and devote time to storytelling and learning.  Students learn the power of a story.