Understanding Educational Technology Basics
Understanding Educational Technology Basics
Question 1
Educational technology refers to technology that usually helps facilitate collaboration in an active
learning environment. By using educational technology, educators can create digital, interactive
textbooks, gamify lessons, take attendance, assign homework, hold quizzes and tests and get real time
results related to teaching material, style and format.
Let us understand the meaning of the term ‘educational technology’ by splitting it into ‘Education’
and ‘Technology’. Technology refers to the systematic application of techniques and principles
of science to achieve an objective effectively and efficiently. ‘Technology’ is that branch of advanced
scientific study which involves highly designed and sophisticated engineering software and
hardware. It deals with the application of knowledge for practical ends. Technology results in
new designs and devices to improve human productivity.
Question 2
Educational technology is the effective use of technological tools in learning. As a Concept, іt concerns
an array of tools, such as media, machines and networking hardware, as well as considering underlying
theoretical perspectives for their effective application.
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Synchronous learning refer to exchange of ideas and information with others participants during the
same period. Examples are face-to-face discussion, online real-time live teacher instruction and
feedback, Skype conversations, and chat rooms or virtual classroom where everyone is online and
working collaboratively at the same time. Since students are working collaboratively, synchronized
learning helps students create an open mind because they have to listen and learn from their peers.
Synchronized learning fosters online awareness and improves many students writing skills.
Linear Learning
Computer-based training(CBT) refers to self-paced learning activities delivered on a computer or
handheld device such as a tablet or smartphone. CBT initially delivered content via CD-ROM, and
typically presented content linearly, much like reading an online book or manual. For this reason, CBT is
often used to teach static processes, such as using software or completing mathematical equations.
Computer-based training is conceptually similar to web-based training(WBT) which are delivered via
internet using a web browser.
Assessing learning in a CBT is often by assessments that can be easily scored by a computer such as
multiple choice questions, drag-and-drop, radio button, simulation or other interactive means.
Assessments are easily scored and recorded via online software, providing immediate end-user feedback
and completion status. Users are often able to print completion records in the form of certificates.
Collaborative Learning
Computer-supported collaborative learning(CSCL) uses instructional methods designed to encourage or
require students to work together on learning tasks. CSCL is similar in concept to the terminology, “e-
leaning 2.0” and “networked collaborative leaning”(NCL).
With technological Web 2.0 advances, sharing information between multiple people in a network has
become much easier and use has increased. One of the main reasons for its usage state that it is “a
breeding group for creative and engaging educational endeavors.
Question 3
The world of technology is changing and improvising at a fast rate and it’s really the need of the hour
that we keep up with that pace. This is a tech-savvy generation and technology has become an integral
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part of their lives. So why not use technology to change the way this tech-savvy generation is learning
and getting educated.
The use of technology in education is becoming the new trend. Learning with technology is fun for this
generation because they are accustomed to all the gadgets and they are able to use it with ease. They
are familiar with smartphones, laptops, tablets and all sorts of gadgets. So what education technology
does is that it incorporates this technology into education. The way things were taught till now is
gradually becoming extinct and new methods of teaching are being considered. There is a wide scope
here ranging from giving students gadgets to learn from creating interactive educational apps and a lot
of other stuff in between. Students will definitely find it interesting as they are familiar with using
technology nowadays.
07 reasons for the importance of technology in education:
Question 4
Using technology to enhance learning is an incredibly exciting idea, and as an area of education is
growing fast.
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Blended learning, mobile learning, connectivism, and other increasingly popular ideas all owe their
existence to technology. But the reality is that the majority of public schools in the United States are less
than cutting edge. While there is little data available to pinpoint exactly what is being done where, five
of the more common applications of technology in the classroom appear below.
The unfortunate reality here is that in lieu of significant progress in how technology is used in the
learning process, significant work remains to do a better job understanding how these tools can function
to increase depth of knowledge, learning curiosity, and critical thinking skills.
Websites and social media allow students to research and teachers to share–not only lesson plans, but
digital resources, assessment data, and even whole-group, away-from-school communication (see The
Flipped Classroom). Podcasts, multimedia such as music and YouTube videos, and other digital tools can
be accessed here as well. (See 10 Social Media Sites For Education for further reading.)
Reading Programs
Reading levels (e.g., Lexile) are monitored via computer-based reading programs.
If we want to improve reading levels, spending some of our money to create technology to help there
could be useful.
Computer-Based Testing
Computer-based standardized tests from third-party vendors help are given during the year to predict
performance on the end-of-the-year state test.
In the classroom, teachers are using calculators and smart boards and clickers to not simply engage
students, but to offer more diverse platforms for students to work with new ideas and demonstrate
understanding. Many of these tools also allow the teacher to garner data in real-time, which not only
saves time (less grading) but more critically offers the student immediate feedback that is often easier
for them to interpret than sometimes nebulous teacher feedback.
The definition of a learning management system has changed over the years as the function and
elegance of these systems have changed. Today, the most common learning management system in K-
12 classrooms is probably Google Classroom (even though it’s arguable whether or not it’s technically an
‘LMS’).
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Unit 2
Question 1
Careers in communication technology require the knowledge to operate, maintain, and upgrade
communications equipment. Individuals within the computer technology field must have an
understanding of wireless technologies, mechanical operations, computer applications, and problem
solving
Communications technology, also known as information technology, refers to all equipment and
programs that are used to process and communicate information. Professionals in the communication
technology field specialize in the development, installation, and service of these hardware and software
systems. Individuals who enter this field develop an understanding in the conceptions, production,
evaluation, and distribution of communication technology devices.
Graduates entering the communication technology field need to develop engineering and computer
science skills. The ability to communicate allows professionals to understand and explain problems that
arise within this technology. Individuals also need to have skills in business, critical thinking, and as a
strong knowledge of computer programming. Additionally, individuals must possess skills in
troubleshooting and repairing defective communications technologies or malfunctions.
Question 2
In its simplest form, the model of the communication process is rather basic: there is a sender and a
receiver, a message channel, and an idea being sent through the channel. During the encoding and
decoding process, there are call-outs where noise can enter into the process and cause errors.
In fact, very few messages that are sent today are as simple as this model describes.
In today’s world of technology, humankind is moving away from the basic method of communication
and into a world where communication is rapidly becoming virtual. This shift in the paradigm of society
has its benefits as well as its drawbacks, which we will briefly discuss an example of each.
With modern technology, the world around us has become a digital wonderland. While most of us grew
up with just a “home phone”, today we feel lost if our phone is not within reach. It’s the first thing we
look at each morning and the last thing we check at night. We are texting, Tweeting, FaceBooking,
Instagramming throughout our days, and most of that has nothing to do with work. In the office, we
have seen our face-to-face communications be replaced with emails, instant messages and Slack
channels. These digital channels have made communication easier, removing barriers that once existed
like looking for an old friend or trying to meet someone new. (Techspirited, 2018) Those things are no
longer difficult to do with modern technology!
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While our virtual selves are enjoying the champagne, our interpersonal selves are picking up the check.
As we move more and more into a digital age of communication, we see younger generations that lack
interpersonal skills like showing emotion and speaking face-to-face. As a result, when people are
communicating in person, they are losing their abilities to interpret non-verbal gestures from others. We
also see the dependence on digital communication impacting the relationships in families. Children who
are always texting with their friends aren’t spending as much time with parents or siblings, which is
creating an even larger relationship gap over time.
There is a way to reap the rewards of this digital age while maintaining your social and personal abilities,
but the key is balance. Make sure that you are taking time to “unplug” and spend time with friends and
family. As parents, ensure that your kids have some downtime from the devices and texting. We should
all find that happy medium between the digital space and our here and now.
Question 3
Types of communication
Technology has enabled a plethora of ways for humans to communicate with each other and broadcast
information to vast audiences. Early inventions like radio and the telephone have evolved into vast,
worldwide networks of undersea cables and satellites. Technology has expanded how fast we can
communicate and in how many ways, even letting us send photos and video across the world from a
device that can fit in our pocket.
Telephone/Mobile Phone
Since the telephone's invention by Alexander Graham Bell in March of 1876, the telephone has come a
long way. Telephones used landlines to send signals across the country, and later made use of undersea
cables to let people communicate with those in other countries.
Radio
Early radio communication was used primarily by the sea vessels in the 1900s and 1910s, with naval and
merchant vessels making use of the technology for communicating with other ships. Radio on land
started with advertising, but producers knew that people wouldn't listen unless they were entertained.
Television
Full-scale television broadcasting in the US began in 1947, and at first, many thought it would not last.
Inventor Lee DeForest said, "While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially
and financially it is an impossibility.
Internet
The Internet as we know it came about in the early 1990s as a result of research into a number of
previous telecommunications projects such as ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network)
that were used primarily by the military. The basic idea was connecting different computers together to
allow the transfer of data.
Question 4
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Communication channels
When looking at all the possible communication channels, we can segment them into two main groups:
There are three different communications channels based on formality: formal, informal and unofficial.
Formal communication channels
Formal communication includes exchange of information such as the goals, policies and procedures of
an organization.
Some of the most common examples of formal communication include company business plans,
strategy, goals, annual reports, agreements, company-wide communications, workplace safety
guidelines and procedures, board presentations etc.
Informal communication channels are also used to deliver official business messages but in a more
relaxed way.
Some examples of informal communication include conversations at work addressing various issues that
team members may have, lunch time conversations and continuous collaboration among team
members.
In addition to official communication channels, there is also an unofficial mode of communication that
is quite common in the workplace. Unofficial communication includes employee communication outside
of work environment on topics not related to work.
Communication channels by mean
Besides formality, communication channels can be divided by mean. In other words, the way and tools
employees use to communicate with each other.
Let’s take a look into the 3 main means of communication in the workplace.
Digital communication channels
Electronic means of communication include various online tools that employees use to stay connected
with each other and keep up with the company news and updates.
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Face-to-face communication
Even though electronic means of conversation in the workplace are taking over, face-to-face
communication is still extremely important.
This mean is much more personal, and it has more human touch into it.
Written communication
This type of communication is almost completely dead within organizations. However, written
communication is still necessary when important policies, letters, memos, manuals, notices and
announcements are being communicated to the employees.
Question 5
Barriers to effective communication
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Conflicts in the Workplace
Conflict can happen for a variety of reasons and when it does, it becomes a barrier to effective
communication. The nature of the conflict is not necessarily important, what is important is working to
resolve the conflict. When conflict is not eradicated, it grows and then people begin to take sides, which
further impedes effective communication.
Unit 3
Question 1
Microteaching
The art of teaching is a complex process, which is not limited to transferring of knowledge from one to
another. It requires good verbal and non-verbal skills. It includes various techniques in order to transfer
knowledge effectively. Not everyone can master it.
With the vast growth in all sectors, effective teaching skills are in great demand. Therefore, due to this
demand, the concept of microteaching came into action.
It is a new innovative program for teachers, which enhances their classroom attitude and behaviour.
Many pre-primary education institutes have taken up micro teaching practices in order to equip
teachers with an effective method of teaching.
Skills in microteaching are targeted one at a time. Training on particular skills are given until it is
mastered. Once mastered another skill is targeted next. Thus, micro teaching aims for one skill at a time.
Limiting the content gives more freedom and ease to the trainees. Thus, micro teaching is based upon
the principle of limited content.
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Practice makes a man perfect:
Mastering skills require practice. While focusing on one skill at a time, micro teaching program also gives
an opportunity to practice those skills. Lots of practice can boost the self-confidence and promote in
development of teaching skills.
Question 2
Audio/Video Conferencing
But it’s not just about using external resources. Video conferencing can also be used to create flipped
classrooms, support teachers, and deliver a more personalized learning experience for pupils.
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Unit 4
The first major development in computer technology was in 1946, with a vacuum tube-based computer
model that was produced to aid in military efforts. Since the invention of computers and the internet,
technology including operating systems, platforms, hardware and software has rapidly advanced.
Mobile computing technology has redefined how nations communicate as well as how information is
sent and received. From laptops to netbooks to smartphones, e-readers and tablets, the options are
endless and mounting.
People use mobile computing in every aspect of life, whether it is to send a quick email, upload and
share photos or read entire books. Computers no longer exclusively belong to a few select businesses;
rather, computer technology is easily accessible to every person, young or old. Even those who have
disabilities can utilize computer technology, thanks to developments in assistive technologies.
Meaning Of Computer Technology :Computer technology covers a huge range of computer basics. It is
the equipment , software, networking as well as peripherals of computer systems. Hopefully this centre
will help you understand slightly about each a part of computer technology and give you slightly better
understanding about how computers work. A computers hardware technologies includes the internal
workings of the computer.
Question 2
Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a
collection of programming code installed on your computer's hard drive. In other words, hardware is a
product you can hold in your hand, whereas software cannot be held in your hand. You can touch
hardware, but you cannot touch software. Hardware is physical, and software is virtual.
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For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text, and the mouse you are using to
navigate this web page are computer hardware. The Internet browser allowing you to view this page,
and the operating system that the browser is running on are considered software. A video card is
hardware, and a computer game is software. You can touch and feel the video card, and the computer
uses it to play a computer game, but you cannot touch or feel the programming code that makes up the
computer game.
This all depends on the hardware in question. Most computers require at least a display, hard drive,
keyboard, memory, motherboard, processor, power supply, and video card to properly function.
In most situations, yes, a computer can operate without software being installed. Nevertheless, if an
operating system or interpreter is not found on the computer, it either generates an error or doesn’t
output any information.
Question 3
The basic structure of the computer describes a simple concept that the data is entered into the central
processing unit with the help of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, secondary
storage devices, etc and then when the central processing unit receives the data from the input devices
it has a pre-programmed set of instruction to follow and the result of instruction execution will lead to
output and these output produce are mostly for the user which requires output devices such as a
monitor, speaker, etc to understand the processed output data.
These functional unit of the computer makes the block diagram of the computer. The computer divides
the task among these various functional units.
The computer system’s most important part is the central processing unit. It is the brain of the computer
and controls almost every unit in the computer system.
Control Unit
The control unit is a very important component of the central processing unit. The responsibility of the
control unit is to take information that is being provided by the memory unit, when the control unit
receives instruction from the memory unit then it converts into control signals that are sent to the
central processor for further processing.
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Arithmetic and logic unit
The work of the arithmetic and logic unit is responsible for performing mathematical instruction (add,
subtract, multiply, divide) and logical instruction
Memory Unit
The memory unit inside the central processing unit is responsible for holding information and depending
on the importance of the information they can be arranged being closer and farther from the CPU.
Unit 5
Audio-aids can be defined as models and devices that can be heard and give an image of something,
somebody and some situations. They include recorded materials, radios, cassette players, cassettes and
the like which are relatively cheap and available and which the language teacher with a little training can
use in the L2 class so as to make the teaching methods, techniques and materials considerably effective
and interesting, and to help the learner have maximum benefit
Question 2
Visual aids are items of a visual manner, such as graphs, photographs, video clips etc used in addition to
spoken information. Visual aids are chosen depending on their purpose, for example, you may want to:
Summarise information.
Reduce the amount of spoken words, for example, you may show a graph of your results rather than reading
them out.
Clarify and show examples.
Create more of an impact, for example, if your presentation is on the health risks of smoking, you may show
images of the effects of smoking on the body rather than describing this. You must consider what type of
impact you want to make beforehand - do you want the audience to be sad, happy, angry etc?
Emphasise what you're saying.
Make a point memorable.
Enhance your credibility.
Engage the audience and maintain their interest.
Almost all presentations can be enhanced by the effective use of visual aids. These can include
handouts, overhead transparencies, drawings on the whiteboard, PowerPoint slides, and many other
types of props. Visual aids are an important nonverbal aspect of your speech that you can control. Once
you have chosen a topic, you need to consider how you are going to show your audience what you are
talking about.
Question4
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Principles and Importance of using of A.V aids
Before going into the types of audio-visual aids available to the planner, we must both define and limit
our use of the basic term itself.
Audio-visual is, of course, a combination of two words: audio referring to that which we can hear,
and visual referring to that which we can see. The basic frame of reference here limits our application of
the term to a speaker and his audience, although they are not necessarily in the physical presence of
one another, as in the case of a motion picture or television presentation.
The term "aids," used in reference to the speaker, rules out his physical presence (visual) and
unrecorded voice (audio). These are the essential elements which make him a speaker, and therefore
cannot aid him (his voice cannot aid his voice).
Further, the uncontrollable physical surroundings are not audio-visual aids in themselves, although they
can have a definite audio or visual effect and should therefore be considered, if possible, when
preparing a presentation. These include such things as distracting street noises (a hindrance) or a
soundproofed room (an aid); or a beautiful mural behind the speaker (a distraction), purple and orange
walls (a hindrance), or a paneled, modern meeting room with indirect lighting (an aid).
Handouts, especially maps, charts or tables, make good visual aids. The audience, particularly a large
one, can get a finer appreciation of details which cannot be enlarged in a suitable manner. However, the
audience is left in a position to continue studying such material, both before and after the speaker refers
to it, and thus he cannot "control" its use.
We are left, then, with audio-visual aids which the speaker can control, and which are suitable for use
with audiences of widely varying sizes.
Audio-Visual Aids
The term "audio-visual aids" is commonly misapplied. The aids themselves must be something either
audible or visual, or both. The common types of audible aids are the spoken word, recognizable sound
effects, and music. The most frequently used visual aids are people, pictures, cartoons, graphics, maps,
the printed word, and three-dimensional models. When we talk about a motion picture projector or a
blackboard, we are talking about the means of presenting the aids, and not the aids themselves.
Audio-visual materials can be divided into those which present the aids in their original form, and those
which reproduce the original form.
Original Audio Materials
As was mentioned earlier, audible aids generally include the spoken word, recognizable sound effects,
and music. The materials thus include people, anything which will produce a desired sound effect, and
musical instruments. Sound reproduction equipment, if sound is to be used, becomes a necessity in
many cases.
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Unit 6
Question 1
Elements of system
A system has three basic elements input, processing and output. The other elements include control,
feedback, boundaries, environment and interfaces.
Input: Input is what data the system receives to produce a certain output.
Output: What goes out from the system after being processed is known as Output.
Processing: The process involved to transform input into output is known as Processing.
Control: In order to get the desired results it is essential to monitor and control the input, Processing
and the output of the system. This job is done by the control.
Feedback: The Output is checked with the desired standards of the output set and the necessary steps
are taken for achieving the output as per the standards, this process is called as Feedback. It helps to
achieve a much better control in the system.
Boundaries: The boundaries are nothing but the limit of the system. Setting up boundaries helps for
better concentration of the actives carried in the system.
Environment: The things outside the boundary of the system are known as environment. Change in the
environment affects the working of the system.
Interfaces: The interconnections and the interactions between the sub-systems is known as the
Interfaces. They may be inputs and outputs of the systems.
Question 2
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The theory identifies four main elements that make up the system that are integral to effective
instructional design:
1. Context
2. Content
3. Learning
4. Instruction
It is the interplay between these four elements that, according to Dick, Carey and Carey that closely
aligns with Gestalt Theory: that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The word Gestalt is used
in modern German to mean the way a thing has been “placed,” or “put together.”
Although the Systems Approach Model focuses on the design process as a whole, it also conveys the
importance of breaking down complex instruction into smaller component parts.
Building on the ADDIE approach to instructional design, the Systems Approach includes ten steps and
unlike ADDIE, it is iterative throughout, building in ongoing revision of any aspect of the design process
that requires it. The ten steps are as follows:
Unit 7
Question 1
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Gaining basic knowledge as well as skills to operate computers to perform better jobs. Computer
education is all about extending to its various branches of study in different fields & sectors.
Computer, along with internet facility is the most powerful device that children can use to learn new
skills & abilities in education.
Being actively used in various educational institutes like schools, colleges & big universities, computers
are used to aid the learning process of students. Professors in colleges & teachers in schools take help of
audio-visual techniques to prepare lesson plans for children. For this, they use Microsoft PowerPoint to
prepare electronic presentations about their lectures.
Research
Computers can be used for online education & research. With the help of the internet, students can find
useful information about their projects, assignments and also can take useful help from other
researchers as they store & organize their research materials in computers.
In CBT (Computer Based Training), various projects & educational programs are prepared or set up with
the assistance of expert educators and audio-visual media help. These educational programs are
generally set up in the shape of lectures on a specific subject/ topic & are given on CDs.
Question 2
Computer programs are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound,
and demonstration. They allow students to progress at their own pace and work individually or problem
solve in a group. Computers provide immediate feedback, letting students know whether their answer is
correct. If the answer is not correct, the program shows students how to correctly answer the question.
Computers offer a different type of activity and a change of pace from teacher-led or group instruction.
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Reading computer programs demonstrate concepts, instruct, and remediate student errors and
misunderstandings from preschool through college. Some programs help students learn basic sight word
and phonics skills; others develop and enhance reading comprehension skills through increased fluency,
word prediction, and story prediction. Programs may use reading activities as a community service
projects, such as Read to Feed or as competition among students to read books (Accelerated Reader).
Below is an example of a computerized program as the student sees it. The program may be used for
instruction or assessment. The student uses the mouse to click the best word of the three presented for
each blank to complete the sentence so that it makes sense.
Unit 8
Question 1
Validity The term validity has varied meanings depending on the context in which it is being used.
Validity generally refers to how accurately a conclusion, measurement, or concept corresponds to what
is being tested. For this lesson, we will focus on validity in assessments.
Practicability
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Practicality in assessment means that the test is easy to design, easy to administer and easy to score.
No matter how valid or reliable a test is, it has to be practical to make and to take this means that:
Explicit performance criteria enhance both the validity and reliability of the assessment process. Clear,
usable assessment criteria contribute to the openness and accountability of the whole process. The
context, tasks and behaviours desired are specified so that assessment can be repeated and used for
different individuals. Explicit criteria also counter criticisms of subjectivity.
Question2
Criterion-referenced assessment
It measures student’s performances against a fixed set of predetermined criteria or learning standards.
It checks what students are expected to know and be able to do at a specific stage of their education.
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Criterion-referenced tests are used to evaluate a specific body of knowledge or skill set, it’s a test to
evaluate the curriculum taught in a course.
Norm-referenced assessment
This compares a student’s performance against an average norm. This could be the average national
norm for the subject History, for example. Other example is when the teacher compares the average
grade of his or her students against the average grade of the entire school.
Question 3
Direct methods examine actual student performance to determine what students learned and the
extent to which students have met the learning goals you established.
Examples: written assignments, performances, presentations, observations of the quality of field work
(e.g. clinical, field experience, internships), written or oral reflection on the link between theory and
practice, research and capstone projects, exams, standardized tests, licensure exams, and even student
publications.
Indirect methods examine the perspectives of various stakeholders on teaching and learning in order to
glean insights on the learning process (the how and why).
Examples: student self-appraisals of learning, satisfaction surveys, peer review by faculty, focus groups
(e.g. with students, alumni, community partners, employers of graduates).
The primary purposes of assessment are to guide student learning, and to inform and improve teaching
and curriculum. Using direct methods of assessment can reveal student learning in relation to teacher
effectiveness, student work, classroom assignments, etc. Assessment results may reveal particular
strengths or weaknesses within a given curriculum and serves as a basis for reflection that may result in
future changes.
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