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Products > TechLiteracy Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TechLiteracy Assessment?
TechLiteracy Assessment is an authentic assessment of the technology proficiency of elementary and middle school students.
 What does TechLiteracy Assessment assess?
TechLiteracy Assessment covers the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) as published by ISTE for the 3-5 and the 6-8 grade ranges. TechLiteracy Assessment provides detailed reporting in seven distinct technology skill modules developed to provide meaningful measures of student performance with key technology knowledge and skills. The technology skills modules are:
- Systems and Fundamentals: This module assesses tasks central to the understanding and the use of computer systems. This includes assessing knowledge of truly universal software conventions, e.g., File\Open, trouble-shooting routine hardware and software problems, memory and cross-platform compatibility, and file path navigation on local machines and networks.
- Social and Ethical Issues: This module assesses knowledge about accepted ethical norms as they relate to technology, as well as knowledge of the impact of technology, past and present, on society.
- Word Processing: This module assesses tasks central to formatting text and text/page layout. Few tasks required for word processing are restricted to word processing, but formatting text and manipulating page layout are essential skills for using a word processor to any degree of proficiency.
- Spreadsheets: This module assesses tasks unique and central to creating, editing, manipulating, and interpreting data in spreadsheet tables, charts, and graphs.
- Multimedia and Presentations: This module assesses tasks unique and central to the creation and manipulation of graphic, audio, video, and other nontextual products by electronic means. This includes objectives to embed multimedia objects inside other programs, such as word processing or presentation software files, converting graphics, and understanding how and why to control resolution settings.
- Telecomm and Internet: This module assesses tasks central to telecommunications, including intra- and inter-office Networks, as well as Internet software such as browsers and email.
- Database: This module assesses tasks central to the use of common database interfaces, such as Web search engines, school library records, and, as appropriate, specialized database design software. Objectives include the use of Boolean logic operators and other defining criteria for searching and sorting database records.
How does TechLiteracy Assessment assess student proficiency?
TechLiteracy Assessment uses a combination of multiple-choice questions and interactive performance-based items to authentically assess students. Each item assesses students’ skill level on durable concepts and strategies that extend beyond specific brands of software, requiring students to demonstrate adaptable, generalized technology skills.
How long does it take students to complete a TechLiteracy Assessment event?
TechLiteracy Assessment was designed to be completed within a 50-minute class period, and the average duration of our tests is around 30 minutes. TechLiteracy Assessment is not a timed test, so educators can allow students as much time as they choose to complete the test.
What is the reading level for each version of TechLiteracy Assessment?
The Elementary School version for grades 3-5 is written at a third grade reading level. The Middle School version of TechLiteracy Assessment for grades 6-8 is written at a sixth grade reading level.
What types of reporting does TechLiteracy Assessment provide? How long does it take?
All TechLiteracy Assessment reports provide valuable data, including score averages, assessment numbers, proficiency standards and rankings at all of these respective levels: District, School, Class, and Student.
TechLiteracy Assessment reports are available within days of testing.
What are the system requirements for TechLiteracy Assessment?
An Internet connection, Windows 98/2000/XP or Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X, Javascript-enabled Browser, minimum 64MB RAM, Adobe Flash Player v7 or later, Adobe Reader v7 or later. See our system requirements for details.
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