Formative Feedback Tools = Virtual

      When analyzing the issue of formative feedback tools in education, it is essential to consider current trends toward mobile education and the increased digitization of educational materials, assessments, and instruction. In researching formative feedback tools, I repeatedly came across a common denominator among these tools. Nearly all, at least all of the ones that appeared to be most efficient, were based online. Despite the fact that I considered formative feedback tools in regular brick-and-mortar classroom settings and in virtual classes, the online component of the feedback tools remained constant.

      In the video below, Dr. Marilyn Rice, Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, discusses the importance of instructor feedback to online students and some of the forms said feedback can take. She also discusses how these tools can help inform decision-making for instructors.

       In terms of brick-and-mortar classes, there are a myriad of web-based programs which help teachers assess students’ knowledge and record data on their progress over time. One such program is Explore Learning Gizmos, an interactive program based on online simulations that drive students’ conceptual understanding in Math and Science. However, one of Gizmo’s key features is its formative assessments component with instant feedback for students in real-time. These formative feedback tools can also help to enhance the curriculum by providing teachers with relevant student data and materials to supplement classroom instruction and content delivery strategies.

      Unfortunately, this type of advantage isn’t being realized, or happening as often as it should, in enough learning environments. Part of the reason for this may be lack of funding or technical infrastructure in schools, hindering their ability to purchase needed software/ hardware and implement the programs/formative feedback models. Another major reason may be the time factor. Formative feedback activities/tools can be significantly time-consuming for educators and can place a strain on their ability to effectively juggle all their other duties including: delivering content, recording grades, and preparing lesson plans and exams.