Bruk av pedagogisk app til formativ vurdering : en studie av GeoQuiz

Abstract

Digital technology and assessment for learning are two important subjects in educational research, and this study is a contribution to both fields. The study is about GeoQuiz, an application for mobile phones, which I have made together with a student of informatics at Norwegian University of Science and Technology. GeoQuiz is a test-application built on pedagogical principles and made as a tool for geography students at High School. Through an action research design, GeoQuiz was introduced to an High School class, and a case study was conducted. The empirical material is collected through interviews with some of the students. By using this method, the objective of the study has been to say something about how assessment for learning by using pedagogical applications can improve student’s motivation and learning. Some of the findings of the study are that assessment for learning is important, and applications can be helpful tools with the purpose of improving students’ motivation and learning. Even though applications can be useful for assessment for learning the teacher plays an important role in the use of the application, and an important finding is that assessment for learning through applications cannot replace assessments from the teacher. It is important to use new technology in schools for motivational purposes, but primarily as a variation to other teaching techniques. If new technologies are to be used as tools in Norwegian schools, it seems to be important that the tools have Norwegian contents and language. Gamification, like adding game elements to teaching tools, can be a good way of improving students’ motivation for learning. At the same time, it seems important only to use new technological tools when there is a clear purpose, and it requires clear teacher instructions.