Digital Assessments and Q-Interactive

When I checked my school email this morning I had one from Pearson. I started receiving these after the NASP Convention last year (2012) when I signed up to win a test kit (Spoiler alert: I didn’t win). Every now and then (aka when I am avoiding something I should be doing, but don’t want to) I take the time to peruse the contents of the email. Today, it was about a new digital system titled “Q Interactive” from PearsonEd. The subject of the email read: Increase Efficiency and Savings with Q-Interactive™. This peaked my interest so I continued reading.

Well, if this isn’t a tagline for school psychologists everywhere I don’t know what is! Now, I try my hardest to avoid paper, but I still love it. In grad school I loved printing the day’s PowerPoint and taking notes. Something about having the hard copy made me feel accomplished. It also was conducive to my commuting lifestyle and made studying on the T (MBTA) that much easier, but I digress.

Yes, this is my computer. I call her "Big Momma."

With today’s technological advancements there are various applications and programs that are extremely helpful in our role as a school psychologist, such as the PAR Toolkit or School Psychology Tools. While I have downloaded the former, I typically only use the age calculator on the go. I also know there are apps for collecting behavioral data, including Behavior Lens, but I have not tried these out. However, the switch to a digital protocol format is unreal! Imagine, tapping the blocks to accurately record a student’s design, rather than fumbling with drawings. For someone like me who is weak in this area, it would make things a lot easier.

As it is stated in the video there is a “cloud” where all of the assessment data is stored, which means you can test on the go or at the last second (provided you have any additional materials you may need). It also means you have access to your protocols readily in a meeting or for consultation purposes. The idea of using this system is mindboggling, but in a good way. I have been so trained to rely on my paper and pencil method, I can’t fathom having everything on my tablet. Guess that show’s how tech savy I am, right? (Sidenote: I tried to use an app to make my grocery list, but after a few weeks I’m back to the paper method again. I just love physically crossing off items rather than tapping a button!).

In order to truly buy into this approach I think I would need to see it done in front of me and have the ability to play around with the program. It is definitely a system that will take some practice getting used to, especially recording procedures. According to the website, not everything will be directly on the program. Standard issue Wechsler blocks will still need to be purchased (at $54.00 a set!) as well as other materials. I will say that having the California Verbal Learning Test for Children (CVLT-C) available peaks my interest. I love this tool and love it more when I can use computer scoring. I used it a lot last year at my site, but don’t have access to it this year (rather avoid using it because I need to hand score). The program also charges an annual licensing fee ($300/year) and then $1.50 per subtest. It is available for the iPad only. 

What is great about this is the ability to use subtests from a variety of measures. Currently Q-Interactive offers the Wechsler scales (WISC-IV, WAIS-IV), California (CVLT-C, CVLT-II), and select subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). They also have select subtests of the NEPSY-II, Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV), and Children's Memory Scale (CMS) are listed as "coming soon."

So, what are your thoughts as assessments move into the age of technology? Are you tech savy enough to handle these changes? Are you old school (like me) and attached to your paper and stopwatch?

I think I need to make smaller, incremental changes before I jump into tablet based assessment. Any recommendations on how I could add technology into my practice as a school psychologist? What works for you? What is the one tech program/app that you couldn’t do your job without?

Until next thyme,

Erika

"Sexting"

Disclaimer: Many of the opinions expressed on this blog are just that: opinions. 


A former professor of mine posted a link to a New York Times article on Sexting found here. 


The article, and topic, brings up so many different things to be concerned about as a parent, student, and educator. The main question is : How do we educate students about the dangers of texting/emailing/Facebook-ing/tweeting images? It seems that students believe that sending these pictures is no big deal, it's important to remind them of the saying: "it seemed like a good idea at the time." Bottomline: IT IS NEVER A "GOOD IDEA" TO SEND NUDE PICTURES TO ANYONE. The article discusses how sending such pictures is part of the adult culture and how teens are trying to prepare themselves for it. Why is sending nude photos part of the adult culture? It is so very important to remember that we are the role models and muses of our students/children. What kind of message does it send to them if it's "okay" for us to do exactly what they are not to?  Normalizing this behavior within the adult culture opens the gate for normalization in the youth/teen culture. Remembering my tween/teen years, if I was told not to do something, I wanted to do it that much more. 

It is vital we educate our students, and parents, about the harms of technology. While technology has provided so many opportunities, there are still many consequences. The repercussions of our online activity follow us wherever we go. Every Facebook status, picture, check-in, text etc. is out there for the taking. The scariest part is that "deleting" your online information doesn't actually erase its existence. Have you ever tried to delete your Facebook profile? Well, what's interesting is, is that the profile will remain in cyberspace until you are ready to start it up again, whenever that might be. Scary, huh? It's so very important that teens understand this. The school from the article urged parents to delete the nude photos, but the photos continued to appear and haunt the victim. Students/teens/parents need to understand what gets put into cyberspace is there to stay; there are no “backsies." 

(Sidenote: remind your students and children that whatever they post online should be appropriate. Many of us in late high school, college, and beyond have come to understand some of the repercussions when it comes time to do college applications/grad school applications/job hunting. Many organizations look to see what is posted on Facebook and Twitter pages, whether images, status, etc, regardless of the privacy settings implemented. Our students and children NEED to be aware of this.)

As part of our training as school psychologists/educators/parents we must stay up-to-date on what happens online. As technology becomes more readily available in our students' culture, and as they/we become more dependent on it, we must stay much more ahead of the game. We are all connected in more ways than I like to remember. It's unfortunate that it's so difficult to unplug, and even more so for students we serve as being plugged in is "normal." It's part of our job, whether we are educators or parents, to educate ourselves on the hazards of online life to better serve students/children. With the increase in cyberbullying, sexting, and the like, it's is our responsibility to stay involved in our student/child(ren)’s lives and monitor their activity.

WARNING: I can't believe I'll be saying any of these suggestions. If I were a teen and my parents tried them I'd be so unruly, upset, and frustrated. However, it is a very different time from when I was a tween/teen, even though it wasn't that long ago. Obviously, adapt strategies and suggestions to suit your family's needs and comfort. 

First and foremost, treat your teen in a way that is appropriate. They are not longer young children, but are not quite adults either (although they may like to think that). Having a discussion about online activity will demonstrate a sense of maturity and respect, rather than prying eyes.  Frame the discussion around the importance of your involvement in their online/technology life. As a parent being involved shows you care. I can almost guarantee the student/child’s response will be “Well, don’t you trust me!?!” In response be sure to say that if you are to trust them, then there should be no qualms about providing the necessary "evidence." Another teen trick that might be used is deleting the history, etc. While I am not tech savy, I’m sure that there are programs available to log the activity of a user on a computer. Put in parental controls where applicable as well. A final recommendation for parents is to remove the computers from the bedrooms. This habit will provide the child with more sleep (since they won’t be on the computer until all hours of the night) and will allow you to monitor what they are doing more effectively.

(Sidenote 2: When removing the computer it would be smart to remove the television as well. This will prevent children from staying up all night watching T.V. (promoting healthy sleep hygiene), which may also help you to monitor what they watch since most shows on late at night are inappropriate for school-aged children.)


(Personal Sidenote 3: Be smart about the cell phones and gadgets you provide children. At what age is it appropriate for a teen/tween to have a cell phone-not at what age do their friends get cell phones? What type of phone should you provide? Does an eighth grader have a need for a blackberry? Most likely not.)

I'd love to hear some thoughts about this topic from parents and educators. I am also curious about programming at your schools regarding issues around sexting. Have you been to any professional development training about technology and our students? 

Until next thyme,

Erika