Quarterly Assessment Tool: Academy’s 1st Quarter Examination pushes through via ‘NEARPOD’

As propose by the Department of Education (DepEd), that private schools are only ‘strongly encouraged’ but not required to adopt the policy released regarding periodical exam to students, QCAFI pushes through their quarterly examination via ‘NEARPOD’ -an online learning platform originated from the software developers in Florida USA to assess students learning.

Last October 14-15 and November 18-19, the 1st Mid– Quarter and Quarterly Examinations of QCA students happened respectively, through the use of online learning platform ‘Nearpod’.

Prior to the conduct of examination, QCA teachers gave time to their students to be familiarize with the platforms. Guidelines were also release for the students to be aware on the do’s and don’ts while taking the exam.
On the other hand, in Nearpod, the students can access teachers’ presentation through a code. (given by their teacher) Nearpod allows the teachers to create questions with or without pictures for reference. Teachers also have full access to the activity/exam using timer for the students to be more focused and discipline in using their time wisely and effectively in answering the questions.

Apart from creating questions, Nearpod also have interactive features that allow the students and teachers to collaborate with each other, like collaborative board, matching pairs, polls, draw and memory test. All results of the assessment sessions can be sent through email. The app is a web-based and works on any device with an internet connection.

The Online Learning Platform was suggested by Mr. Benedicto Ilumin—Grade 7 Coordinator and later approved by the Administration. According to Mr. Ilumin and Mr, Gregorio– ICT Coordinator, the web-based application provides a lot of interactive features that allow the teachers and students to work creatively and interactively though he doesn’t set aside that there might be some loop holes but they are doing their best to look for possible solutions to make the examination a smooth sailing for everyone. “

The pandemic really challenged us, our patience and competency as to how things should work not only for a single person but as much as possible for everyone. Looking for a platform that could provide the best way of delivering instruction and assessing students learning is not really easy but with the help of my co-teachers, we’re able to address the concern properly and hopefully it works because at the end of the day, this is not only for us but for our students.”Mr. Gregorio added.

The Nearpod will be use for the entire school year’s quarterly assessment.