Using Standardized Tests to Assess Computer Literacy

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Using Standardized Tests to Assess Computer
Literacy

• Gloria Melara, Robert Lingard
• and Roberta Madison

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Overview

• What is Computer Literacy?
• Why is Teaching Computer Literacy Important?
• How can Computer Literacy be Assessed?

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What is Computer Literacy?

• There is no single definition
• Webopedia calls it the level of expertise and
  familiarity someone has with computers . . .
  and the ability to use applications.
• Different disciplines require different sets of
  knowledge and skills

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Why is Teaching Computer Literacy Important?

• Computer skills are necessary for students
  overall success at college
• Most careers today require some level of computer
  skill
• Many students enter college without these skills

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The Pilot Study

• The CSU Chancellors office requested evaluation
  of the TekXam instrument
• GE courses were used to assess the instrument
• Two courses were chosen
  
• - Comp 100 (4 sections) and
• - Journalism 100 (1 section)

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The Study Design

• Study design included a pre test and a post test
• Each student took one of five different modules
• 139 students took the pre test
• Only 51 of these also completed the post test

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Completion Rates
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Study Results
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Problems Encountered

• TekXam was difficult for students to use
• The material covered was inappropriate for Comp
  100
• Administration of TekXam was tedious and rigid
• Student participation rate was low

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TekXam Passing Rates
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Conclusions and Recommendations

• Assessment is needed to measure computer literacy
• Incentives are needed to increase student
  participation in assessment
• Better assessment tools are needed
• A uniform definition of computer literacy would
  aid in the development of an appropriate
  assessment tool

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Work in Progress and Future Plans

• A new version of TekXam was tested and the
  results are now being analyzed
• A useable definition and measurable outcomes for
  computer literacy (for CSU Northridge) will be
  developed
• If no appropriate assessment instrument can be
  found, one will be developed

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Contact Information

• Robert Lingard
• - rlingard_at_ecs.csun.edu
• Roberta Madison
• - roberta.madison_at_csun.edu
• Gloria Melara
• - gem_at_ecs.csun.edu