Assessment models

Assessment is the key process to ensuring positive outcomes regarding Assistive Technologies. It can take different forms and very few are ever the same. But the same principles apply no matter what the context.
Contents
Assessment
SETT Model
Evidencing
Learner profiles
Example Assessment
Additional resources

Assessment

Assessment helps learners to:

  • Access learning
  • Prove abilities
  • Match technology to needs
  • Set appropriate targets
  • Work with a range of professionals
  • Access, use and sustain their existing technology
  • Understand how technology can support them in learning, living and working

Assessment is today’s means of modifying tomorrow’s instruction.

Carol Ann Tomlinson

SETT Model

This is a useful way of ensuring that various factors are taken into consideration when implementing a solution. It was created by Joy Zabala and she has some excellent SETT model resources

Student:

- What makes your learners unique?

- We all use technology in different ways, our learners are no different.

Environment:

- Where will your learners need this access?

- What considerations do you need to have for different locations?

Task

- What are your learners trying to achieve?

- Providing a purpose is essential.

Tools

- What solutions fit the requirements?

- Technology that is the right fit.

Evidencing

When assessing it is important to have a plan of evaluating the effectiveness of the Assistive Technologies you are recommending. This helps to adjust the solution where necessary, prove to stakeholders the importance of the technology and to show the learner the progress they are making.

A useful resource to help with gathering evidence is “How do you know it? How can you show it?”

(Reed, Bowser and Korsten (2004))

It can guide you to:

  • Frame the question
  • Collect the data
  • Analyze the data

Learner profiles

Profiles ensure that the information taken at assessment is available to all professionals working with the learner. It ensures that activities such and teaching, therapies and independence skills all take into account the learner’s specific learning needs.

Once again these profiles can take different forms depending on the context. Both of the following are examples of learner profiles:

Example Assessment

This assessment was delivered by National Star College as part of their outreach service. Click here to open up the full report.

Additional resources

Author profiles

Neil Beck

National Star College

Neil has been a UK manager for the ATWE project and has sought for the role to be recognised further in Europe.

He works as an Assistive Technologist for National Star College where he delivers Assessments, Training and advice for both learners at the college – and those outside of the college through an outreach service.

Natspec (The National Specialist College Association) have seconded Neil to deliver the same services, plus setting up national support and resources for specialist colleges and Karten Centres. This service is called TechAbility and delivers webinars on a range of subjects

The work in both of these roles has led to input into the UK’s EdTech Strategy where the aim is to improve the standards of Assistive Technology across all mainstream schools and colleges in the UK.

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