Use of tablet technologies to assess student progress in Physical Education April 2014 “The Samsung Tablets have vastly improved our development of the students and our assessment methods.”
Sue Watmough Head of Health & Wellbeing MCA
Background
The Solution
The PE department wanted to develop
Two tablets were investigated – the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. After rigorous testing, the team decided to go with the Samsung device. The device had a user-friendly interface, excellent camera and battery life. A secure cover was also sourced that enabled the device to be taken outside and remain protected.
how they assessed student practical activities. Previously they had used photographs and ‘Post-It’ notes to annotate work. This prevented keeping accurate records on progression and did not allow student to self and peer assess. What the department needed was a device that: could record still and moving images
could simply and safely uploaded the footage into a secure central location
ensure this device was portable and could be used outdoors
The Challenge This problem was taken to the IT and Data teams. The intial task was to research a device that met all requirements. The device needed to be secure so that students could only access the apps that were necessary for learning. It should not be possible for students to alter settings or install other apps. A method of uploading the evidence to a central location was required with enough space for all student videos.
When it came to securing the device the team decided on using ‘App lock’. This app prevents students from accessing apps such as the settings and the Play store. This app was chosen for its simple interface, which allows teaching staff to change which apps can be locked without consulting the IT team. Further testing and research by the IT and Data teams showed that ‘Google Drive’ could be used to store video clips and images. By creating a Google account for each class students could upload their evidence to the cloud, peer assess work and receive feedback from teachers. The use of the Academy server to store footage was no longer required. This method allows students to peer assess effortlessly, by logging in and out of different accounts and commenting on their work. To summarise the Samsung tablet devices have provided the Academy with an invaluable learning resource which not only advances learning but also supports staff in assessing student progress. This good practice has been shared with other teams including EAL, SEN and Creative Arts and appropriate apps have been found.