Blended Assessments using iPads

How can you avoid creating a "high stakes" environment that may inadvertently set students up for failure/cheating?

When facilitating a blended learning environment, we must review and consider what types of assessments we will deliver online. As an elementary teacher I cannot assume that all of my students have access to a computer and/or the internet at home. So I can implement assessments online, provided I allow completion during class.

The state of Florida already has a "high stakes" assessment that is delivered online, called FAIR (Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading). The assessment administers a broad screening task which includes an adaptive reading comprehension measure. This reading comprehension screen predicts student success on the FCAT. It provides teachers with instant feedback on each student. This assessment is administered three times a year. At my school, each class has a scheduled time for their class to use the computer lab to take this assessment.

So how can I create an assessment for the students to take online, in my classroom, and without creating an environment for cheating?

There is an option on the iPad called Guided Access. This feature allows you, as a teacher, to create an assessment environment where students won't have access to cheating or being off task. First you must make sure that Guided Access is on. Under General, then accessibility, towards the bottom under "Learning" make sure Guided Access is enabled. Once it is, then you can bring up the task (assignment, quiz, or test) that you want the student to complete. Once it is up on the screen, triple click the home button and you will activate Guided Access.

Once you are here, you can circle with your finger what you want blocked for student use.

You'll notice the iPad will recognize what you outlined.

You can then press start at the top right and it will prompt you to set a passcode. Make sure you remember what it is! :-)

The screen will then revert to the student's assigned activity. The picture below might be difficult to see, but the tabs, URL, and google search bar is blocked - notice the gray box over it. If the student clicks the home button it will notify them that "Guided Access is enabled. Triple-Click the home button to exit." If the student does triple click the home button, it will prompt them for the passcode that you set.

Enter the passcode to exit Guided Access.

Now that I have learned of this wonderful secret, students will not attempt to cheat using other features of the iPad and they will not browse other apps that they shouldn't be on during an assignment.

I hope this information is useful to you as a teacher teaching with an iPad.