Data collection and analysis tools help teachers to collect data on students using things such as:

• Database Software
• Online Survey Tools
• Student Information Systems
• Electronic Gradebooks
• Statistical Packages
• Computer-Based Testing Systems
• Student Response Systems

Database Software

Database software helps teachers to really know their students and collect information on them. It can also help to teach students about research and study skills, and about posing and testing their hypotheses. It can be really helpful for school staff to keep track of a students records in the school.

Online Survey Tools

These tools can help school staff figure out what is working in the school and what isn't, as well as being a tool teachers can use to reassess their own teaching in the classroom. By giving students online surveys, schools can try to change things that students don't like or may want to see to create a better learning environment for the students.

Student Information Systems

SIS not only keeps track of how kids are doing at school, but also allows students to keep track of their own record. They can go online to see their own grades and test scores, and the SIS can also send reports home to parents about any problems that the school may be experiencing with a student. The coolest example I can give is a site that I saw one of my mentor teachers using called Schoology. Basically, the teacher has all of the information for all of his classes on his own account. Each student gets an account as well and are able to go on and post their homework on the site for the teacher to see. The teacher can see who subbmitted their work on time and how many submitted their work. The teacher can also post "status updates" whenever something is going on with school or with homework or tests. The students can respond to the teacher and ask questions if they need to. This is the coolest SIS I have found so far.

Other Tools

Electronic gradebooks, statistical packages, computer-based testing, and student response systems are pretty self-explanatory. Electronic gradebooks help teachers keep track of grades, statistical packages are used to teach statistics or do descriptive analyses of research data, computer-based testing allows for online testing, and student response systems have a large number of uses, such as comprehension checks and vocabulary review games.