Eval+Digital+Products

= Evaluating Digital Products ~ = = Using Media Products as Learning Evidence =

//Urgent! Human beings needed with effective communication skills in order to translate inert, raw information into valuable knowledge useful and beneficial to others. No paper allowed!//   New forms of communication beyond words are calling for new literacies with each medium having its own grammar and fluency. Using any of the dynamic media tools enabling forms of communication beyond words will require practicing new literacies that master the grammar of reading/writing of images and sound as well as crafting information for impact. With words and images “flying”, “dissolving”, or “crawling” onto the screens; objects spinning or flashing; accompanied by varied fonts, backgrounds, transitions and sounds, teachers are left in a quandary about how to assess content grades to any student work that goes beyond the traditional communication form of text. The BIG question is not whether students are using technology but rather to ask about purpose and audience while keeping the digital product focused on what deep understandings and communication skills are being demonstrated.  The new communication needs are less about mastering technical skills of technology than about being able to design information by artfully using sound, images, transitions and special effects in ways that dance ideas together into illuminated understandings. This workshop prepares educators to coach their students to be ** Meaning-Makers ** first ~ then ** Media-Makers ** capable of maximizing their influence and impact power! Participants will experience coding student digital work for TYPES of communication; scoring practice of digital products for content; and assessing practice using indicators for craftsmanship of communication.


 * Learning Objectives **

Student Scoring Guides can be used to assess many different media for rigor and relevance as well as craftsmanship. This topic can be offered as an awareness session; one (1) day workshop for understanding and readiness to use scoring tools; or be extended 2-3 days for hands-on practice of processes and assessment while collecting data from their own student samples. An Artist-in-Residence Program is also available.


 * 1) //What is the power of multimedia for creating "sticking power" of facts and understandings?//
 * 2) //How can content be ensured to score as exemplar communication demonstrating rigor and relevance?//
 * 3) //How can "powerpointlessness" be avoided for all technology mediums? (videos, podcasts, graphic novels etc)//
 * 4) //What are sixteen (16+) TYPES of communication that will focus purpose for digital products?//
 * 5) //How do rubrics and scoring guides differ?//
 * 6) //What are the nine (9) traits for scoring digital products?//
 * 7) //How can collegial "reflective" practice be used for calibrating effective assessment processes?//
 * 8) //What content-building steps would guide students to develop rigor in their narratives?//
 * 9) //What media-making steps would guide students to create effective craftsmanship?//