What are the best ways to provide summative feedback using digital tools?

1 Use rubrics and criteria

One of the best ways to provide summative feedback using digital tools is to use rubrics and criteria that clearly communicate the expectations and standards for the learners' work. Rubrics and criteria can help you grade consistently, objectively, and transparently, as well as provide specific and constructive feedback on each aspect of the learners' performance. You can create your own rubrics and criteria using online platforms such as Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, or Rubistar, or use existing ones from repositories such as iRubric or Achieve the Core. You can also share the rubrics and criteria with your learners before they submit their work, so they can self-assess and improve their work.

3 Use peer feedback and collaboration

A third way to provide summative feedback using digital tools is to use peer feedback and collaboration, which can enhance the learners' engagement, motivation, and learning. Peer feedback and collaboration can help learners gain different perspectives, insights, and suggestions from their peers, as well as develop their communication, critical thinking, and social skills. You can use tools such as Google Docs, Padlet, or Peergrade to facilitate peer feedback and collaboration among your learners. You can also use tools such as Kahoot, Quizizz, or Socrative to create interactive quizzes and games that allow your learners to test their knowledge and receive instant feedback from their peers.

4 Use adaptive and personalized feedback

A fourth way to provide summative feedback using digital tools is to use adaptive and personalized feedback, which can tailor the feedback to the learners' individual needs, preferences, and goals. Adaptive and personalized feedback can help learners progress at their own pace, level, and style, as well as receive feedback that is relevant, specific, and actionable. You can use tools such as Khan Academy, Duolingo, or Quizlet to provide adaptive and personalized feedback to your learners based on their performance, progress, and interests. You can also use tools such as Google Classroom, Seesaw, or ClassDojo to create portfolios, badges, and reports that showcase your learners' achievements and feedback.

5 Use feedback loops and follow-ups

A fifth way to provide summative feedback using digital tools is to use feedback loops and follow-ups, which can ensure that the feedback is not only given, but also received, understood, and acted upon by the learners. Feedback loops and follow-ups can help learners reflect on their feedback, ask questions, seek clarification, and apply their feedback to their future work. You can use tools such as Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, or SurveyMonkey to create surveys and polls that collect your learners' feedback on the feedback, as well as their satisfaction, confidence, and learning. You can also use tools such as Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype to conduct online conferences and discussions with your learners to review their feedback and support their learning.

6 Use feedback analytics and dashboards

A sixth way to provide summative feedback using digital tools is to use feedback analytics and dashboards, which can help you monitor, analyze, and improve your feedback practices and outcomes. Feedback analytics and dashboards can help you track and visualize the frequency, quality, and impact of your feedback, as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses of your feedback strategies and methods. You can use tools such as Google Analytics, Microsoft Power BI, or Tableau to create feedback analytics and dashboards that display your feedback data and insights. You can also use tools such as FeedbackFruits, H5P, or Kaltura to integrate feedback analytics and dashboards into your online courses and platforms.