B. Revise Evaluation Options

There are many ways to assess multimedia activities, including quizzes, reflections, peer evaluations, presentations, and self assessments. However, the most common evaluation process takes place through the use of rubrics. Rubrics are used to evaluate designated performance criteria with a rating scale. A rubric is a tool designed to assess student performance. Rubrics can vary in complexity from a simple checklist to a very complex rating scale or scoring guide. They are considered an important component in many types of authentic assessment. Before developing a rubric, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• What state or national standards does the activity address?
• What knowledge, skills, or concepts should be assessed?
• At what level should my students be performing?
• What criteria should I use to judge students' performance?

After identifying the standards and instructional goals, consider the qualities that need to be displayed in a student's work to illustrate proficient or "top-level" performance of these objectives. Then, make distinctions in the criteria to arrive at scores for the other levels. Student input into the construction of a rubric should be encouraged, and the rubrics should be developed and shared with the students before the multimedia activity begins. That way, the students know exactly what is required and how they will be assessed.

Try This

Take a look at some of the rubrics at the following sites. Notice the similarities. Also note that rubrics can be designed for long term or short term activities; for group or individual work; and for teachers' or students' use.

• Assessment and Rubric Information - this site has dozens of excellent rubrics to use in the classroom.
• Creating a Rubric - tips for creating rubrics for multimedia projects