Technology in Testing

In this paper, Anderson (2000) explores the main advantages and some possible drawback of computer-based test on language skills. It is limited to test language skills on a computer, like speaking and writing skills which can hardly be assessed. But also, we can see some obvious advantages in computer-based testing. First of all, its flexibility allows tests be freed from traditional paper forms and the formal test administration. Secondly, users do not need to be restricted in a large room with others but on their own, while testers will find it convenient to collect and mark the test data, and the results can also be issued directly. Nowadays, with the access to internet, computer-assisted test is becoming more applicable and flexible. Besides, thanks to the larger capacity of internet database, the testing items and results can be stored for future use, especially for the development of testing, with less worry about the test security. Instead of fixed-format tests, computer-adaptive test shows its advantage in providing test users an adapted difficulty level according to their ability level, which makes the tests efficiently reflect users’ real place with possible pedagogical implications on teaching and learning.
Since this kind of test becomes pretty common in current testing including TOEFL, we’ve already seen the claimed advantages and disadvantages and we still have some doubts about the reliability and validity of computer-assisted testing, like whether the users’ ability can be estimated through computer and how, what feedback or diagnosis can be given to users through computer according to their performance in the test, and how to judge the test method and delivery medium, etc..

We can classify EduBlog like this

In Wu’s article (2006), ‘Blogs in TEFL: A New Promising Vehicle’, he provides EFL learners and teachers some possible ways to use a blog in classes, with a discussion about its advantages and potential shortcomings in practice.
Actually, I appreciate the way Wu categorizes the educational blogs: tutor blog, learner blog, and class blog. When being practiced as a tool in EFL classroom, tutor blogs can be a convenient teaching aid in updating assignments, class notes to reduce students’ confusion, and also any accessible hyperlinks to provide resources related to tasks. Besides, useful feedback collected from students’ recurring mistakes can be given and read for the entire class. All of these can be recycled in the future teaching. The class blog is supposed to be used in a collaborative way such as: in conversation-based classes, it is used as a free-form bulletin board for learners; it is convenient for intermediate learners or above to facilitate project-based language learning; and it can be used as a virtual space for an international classroom language exchange.
On the other hand, the writing and information is argued to be not professional, which results in students’ writing skills superficial and not accurate. In addition, the criticism that students receive could be “unproductive, hurtful or even offensive”, which may reduce their confidence and interest in the course. This is what we as teachers or instructors need to consider.

Exploring educational use of blogs

In Wang’s paper (2008), he gives a brief introduction of the origin and development of Blogs, also about the advantages and disadvantages. EduBlogs is introduced here about its usage, and some examples used in US classroom education.

Comparing with other internet tools, a blog has some common features: first of all, it is simple for any users to create. One can create his own weblog without any knowledge about HTML or RSS and can publish instantly to websites. It is easily kept up by oneself and this cost nothing but time. As well, one can give comments on others or receive others’ response through the “commenting” function on most blogs. Besides, the “linking” function is one of the distinguishing characteristics through which one can share songs, video and any other published works on net. In spite of its obvious advantage in engaging people in sharing information as well as knowledge and also in giving reflection, blogs also have some downsides, such as inaccuracy of information, intellectual property issues, and the volatile nature .
With the development of blog, it is now being widely used in a variety of ways ranging from journalism and publishing, to personal and the educational use of blogs.
According to Wang’s research, the cooperative learning through blogs do increase learners’ confidence and gain positive interdependence from the group project, and most can benefit from instant peer feedback and support. Also, social skills have been improved from working effectively with others. On the other hand, learners indicate that face-to-face interaction contributes more in promoting their success.

Here are some examples in US K-12 education:

using blogs in scholarship in higher education (http://teachable.org/blog) in which some news is provided about research findings, tools, and other interesting items about online teaching and learning;

Using blogs in instruction like some professors' blogs as a teaching and learning resource, from which students can get the latest news about the professor's experience and research program, also can get the electronic format of the lectures and share with others.