06: Using ICT to support assessments

Plickers is designed for formative assessments. It is a powerful tool, but rivals its competitors in its simplicity. It collects real-time formative assessment data, which can then be used by teachers to restructure or tailor their lessons. For example, as a formative assessment, a teacher can quickly check what concepts students are understanding easily and what ones they are struggling with, so the teacher can decide on which ones to focus more of the lesson time. Similarly, it’s not always clear for a teacher to know when is the best time to move on to new material. Plickers quickly gives the teacher an idea of understanding both as a class and at the individual student level, to make a more informed decision as to when it’s time to continue. During and after class, teachers are able to review each student’s answers and see which students have mastered the material and which ones might need more instruction or help. It allows teachers to make quicker and more effective choices as to who should help whom and who might need remedial or advanced work. Thus, Plickers allows for easier differentiation of learning and helps accommodate learning preferences.