Technology Literacy Assessments
Technology Literacy Assessments
Proficiency in technology is one way to assess student’s knowledge of technology literacy. A school’s policy should state that, “All students will be proficient in technology.”
New York State requires that K-8 teachers integrate the technology applications into content areas of instruction. These modules of information should include technology related foundation, information acquisition, solving problems using technology, and communication with technology. At the high school level, there are a variety of technology application courses and some career and technology applications courses that can fulfill the requirement for one credit in technology applications required for graduation.
Resources
A quick survey of the current practices in assessing students' technology literacy and skills by 8th grade reveled the following forms of assessment tools from non-profit organizations or commercial vendors (The products listed below are provided solely for informational purposes, and do not constitute and shall not be construed in whole or part as an endorsement of a vendor or a product by SED):
- Knowledge-Based
Schoolkit's TechStep
TechSteps developed K-8 student technology literacy standards built on the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) and the work of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.
The K to the 8th Power Technology Literacy Assessment
The Technology Literacy Assessment measures each student's technology literacy based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) for Grades 6-8.
TechPOINT Proficiency Assessments
The Proficiency Assessments assess the current technology knowledge level of students and teachers. Pre-loaded versions are available for 5th Grade, 8th Grade, or teachers, or the assessments can also be custom built.
- Performance-Based
K to the 8th Power Technology Education
The web-site provides demo videos about technology curriculum for standards-based learning. A free trial of Technology Courseware is also available.
Learning.com Tech Literacy Assessment
TechLiteracy Assessment measures and reports technology literacy for elementary and middle school students. The assessment is delivered to any Internet-connected computer.
ISTE NETS Online Technology Assessment
Various tools and resources for assessments are available.
Technological Fluency Institute
The Institute provides programs of online testing and online learning programs. The TFI also customoze its services.
- Portfolio-Based
Concord Scioware Competency & Skills Assessment Manager
The Assessment Manager uses an advanced Active Matrix technology to enable the institution to track, measure and record a student's competence in performing specific tasks and, optionally, link these to defined outcomes.
Chalk and Wire ePortfolio with RubricMarker
Among the features of eportfolio are completely portable; import and align performance data from any database source(s); support for branching survey for trend analysis; and easily develop custom reports with tables and graphs, but also “Status Reports.”
SAS/Curriculum Pathways
The Curriculum Pathways covers the core curriculum aresand offers learner-centered tools, lessons, and resources with measurable outcomes. Twenty-first century skills are integrated into content.
- Project-Based
TechYES
TechYES helps schools meet the ISTE NETS technology standards for students and satisfy the NCLB technology literacy requirement for eighth graders. As part of TechYES, a structured peer-mentoring program and student leadership opportunities that serve to further strengthen the learning community.
Efforts in Other States
There are several States that have excellent programs that can be assessed for information, for example;
Arizona | Georgia | Kanzas | Maryland | Michigan | North Carolina.