Objective:
The objective of this performance task is to allow students to creatively express their understanding of social studies concepts through the use of modern media. By creating a photoblog, article blog, or vlog, students can demonstrate their research and communication skills, as well as their understanding of the chosen social studies topic.
Pros:
Encourages research skills: Students must research their chosen social studies topic to create their photoblog, article blog, or vlog, which helps them develop research skills.
Enhances communication skills: Students must effectively communicate their understanding of the topic in a visually engaging and interactive way, which helps them develop communication skills.
Integrates technology: Students can use technology such as cameras, video editing software, and blogging platforms to create their performance tasks, which helps them develop technological skills.
Promotes creativity: Students can use their creativity to design an attractive and engaging photoblog, article blog, or vlog that captures the attention of their audience.
Cons:
May require access to technology: Creating a photoblog, article blog, or vlog may require access to technology and software, which may not be available to all students.
May be time-consuming: Creating a high-quality performance task can be time-consuming, which may limit the time available for other social studies activities.
May require additional grading time: Grading photoblogs, article blogs, or vlogs may take more time than grading traditional assessments due to the need to review and evaluate the media elements.
May have limitations in assessing critical thinking: While the performance task can assess research and communication skills, it may have limitations in assessing critical thinking skills, as students are simply presenting information rather than analyzing or evaluating it.
In summary, creating a photoblog, article blog, or vlog as a performance task can be a valuable addition to a social studies class, as it promotes research, communication, technology, and creativity skills. However, it may require additional resources and grading time and may have limitations in assessing critical thinking skills.