How it works
Students are assigned to a virtual room for a set duration of time with at least one partner. Together, students respond to a prompt provided by the instructor. The entire exchange is recorded and submitted to the instructor for individualized feedback.
Group Size: 2-6 students. Groups are created automatically but can be rearranged.
Recording Type: Video
Recording Length: Use preset options of 5, 10, or 15 minutes or a custom duration.
Supported Devices: Laptop or Desktop Computer running Google Chrome or the Extempore App on a mobile device.
Cameras must be turned off in Zoom/Google Meet when connecting to your Extempore room.
How To Create a Synchronous Group Assessment
1. Create a new assessment
From your class page, click the plus button ➕ to create an assessment, where you'll be taken to the page below.
From here, you can create the framework of your assessment:
Assessment Timeline: When the assessment is available for students to access. This is not the recording time. Set the start time for when class begins and set the end time for a few days later in case you have absent students.
Select Group assessment.
Choose Sync Room for Group Type.
Recording Time: Total duration of time the room is open beginning when the first participant joins.
Number per room: Students will be randomly assigned to pairs/groups, but you can override this later if needed.
Assessment description: Information entered here is displayed for students in the waiting room before they begin the task. This is a good place to set the scene or provide any reminders for students before they begin the task. You don't want to add the prompt here.
Decide whether you want to publish grades manually or immediately.
Click Next to save and continue.
Tips:
Give yourself some time when setting the Assessment Timeline. Provide more time than your room duration just in case, especially if you have absent students who will need to complete the task another day.
If your total number of students is not divisible by the number of students per room, don't worry, no one will be left out.
Students must be enrolled in your class before creating the synchronous group assessment. Start with an individual assessment first.
2. Add the task
Provide a prompt for students to see after they enter the room. Attach media to the prompt is desired.
Add a rubric if you prefer to provide a numeric grade.
Click Launch when done
Note: There are no additional limitations to set as SYNC is always a single attempt assessment. If a student participates in a room, they cannot participate again in the same task un less the room is reset by the teacher.
Before the Assessment
3. Take Attendance
Ensure that every student has at least one partner by taking attendance before beginning the assessment.
Click the View Rooms button for the desired assessment.
To mark a student as absent, click the three dot icon next to their name and select mark absent. You can activate absent students later if needed.
Be sure to check room assignments before the assessment begins. All students must have a partner assigned to them to participate. Groups cannot be changed after students have started responding.
4. Adjust groups
Extempore assigns students to a rooms when you create a group assessment, however you can adjust those assignments if needed.
Click the View Rooms button for the desired assessment.
To move a student, click the three dot icon next to their name and select the desired room. Click Move.
If you need to add more rooms, click Add Room.
Click Save.
Please note that by moving a student you can override the maximum number of students you set when you created the assessment. Click save to confirm your changes.
Be sure to check room assignments before the assessment begins. All students must have a partner assigned to them to participate. Groups cannot be changed after students have started responding.
During the Assessment
5. Drop in
Teachers can join rooms to interact with students during the assessment. Students can see and hear you when you are in the room.
Click the Drop In button to open the Drop In Dashboard.
From this dashboard, teachers can view which students are in each group, their status, and what time each room started the task. The green dot 🟢 next to a student's name means they are online while a gray dot ⚪ means not online.
Teachers can join a room by clicking the Join button. Some teachers prefer to drop in on multiple rooms during the assessment, while others refer to remain on this screen in case a student raises their hand to request help.
Reset Student Submissions
If you have a false start (a student enters the room too early, a student is paired with an absent student, etc.) you can reset the room to provide the student another chance. You can reset a room directly from the Drop In Dashboard by clicking Reset or reset the submission from the Gradebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a student accidentally closes the Extempore window or their device dies during a sync task, can they rejoin?
Yes! Students can rejoin the room as long as the room is open and there is time left on the clock.
Can my class of 30+ students really do this together in one room? How will I hear them clearly in the recording?
Yes! Chrome does a really good job of filtering out background noise. We also encourage you to have students wear headphones, but a working student device and a normal speaking volume should be plenty to be captured. Give it a try!
Can I add more than one question to a synchronous group assessment?
You can add as many questions as you'd like to the prompt, but they will all appear in the same window.
Can I keep the same groupings for a synchronous group assessment?
Yes! By copying the synchronous group assessment, you will see the option to retain groupings, which can be repeated as many times as you would like.
Additional Resources