Using Scanning Apps on Smart Phones to Perform Continuous Formative Assessments of Student Problem-Solving Skills During Instruction in Mathematics and Science Classes
Abstract: Mathematics and science teachers can now collect samples of student diagrams and multi-step solutions in real-time to make formative assessments of student skills. Students draw their diagrams or perform their solutions on paper, and then scan them with CamScanner® or a similar cell phone app equipped with direct-upload to DropBox® or similar cloud-based file-synchronization system. The instructor creates a shared folder for each class, and subfolders for each question or problem. Students upload scans of their work to the appropriate folder. Within a few moments, the instructor sees everyone’s diagrams and problem solutions in a single window and ascertains the level of student understanding so that instruction can be adjusted appropriately to meet real-time needs. In the process, instructors obtain a permanent cloud-based digital record of all student work, allowing them to track student progress over time. This session will introduce participants to this innovative technique.