Below is a description of the technology skill modules assessed with TechLiteracy Assessment. Each module is defined as a way to report meaningful measures of student proficiency with the technology tools, related knowledge and skills most relevant to predicting students' success in modern classrooms.
| Systems and Fundamentals: This module assesses tasks central to the understanding and use of computer systems. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Knowledge of the parts of the computer
- Troubleshooting basic computer problems
- Storing and retrieving files on computers or networks
- Basic technology vocabulary
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Middle School Examples
- Selecting a data format or technology tool appropriate to the task or audience
- Creating, storing and retrieving data on local area networks and peripheral devices
- Knowledge of the basic parts of the computer, vocabulary and symbols of technology
- Basic troubleshooting for computer problems
- Recognizing and distinguishing among file types
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| Social and Ethical: This module assesses knowledge about accepted ethical norms as they relate to technology, as well as the impact of technology, past and present, on society. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Identifying ethical and unethical uses of technology tools
- Awareness of the social and ethical concepts associated with network and telecommunications use
- Understanding the basics of online safety
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Middle School Examples
- Identifying ethical and unethical behaviors with respect to the use and transmission of
electronic files, software and other online data
- Awareness of major social issues and ongoing effects and controversies regarding prominent
technology advances
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| Word Processing: This module assesses tasks central to formatting text and text/page layout. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Publishing and saving documents such as letters and short papers
- Formatting text
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Middle School Examples
- Publishing, printing and saving documents in a variety of locations
- Applying standard text formatting and layout options
- Applying layout options at the paragraph, page and document level
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| Spreadsheets: This module assesses tasks unique and central to creating, editing, manipulating, and interpreting data in spreadsheet tables, charts, and graphs. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Creating worksheets
- Entering and saving information
- Creating and interpreting basic graphs
- Formatting cells
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Middle School Examples
- Creating, entering, sorting, filtering and saving information
- Using common functions in spreadsheets (merging cells, find/replace)
- Writing simple formulas
- Creating, labeling and interpreting more complex graphs
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| Multimedia and Presentations: This module assesses tasks unique and central to the creation and
manipulation of graphic, audio, video, and other non-textual products by electronic means. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Creating and editing multimedia projects
- Communicating effectively to a variety of audiences using multimedia
- Using video recorders to capture images and edit clips (including picture files and ClipArt) for use in video
or other multimedia
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Middle School Examples
- Inserting graphics and other multimedia into documents
- Creating, formatting and saving presentations
- Capturing and composing audio-visual presentations
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| Telecommunications and Internet: This module assesses tasks central to telecommunications, including intra- and inter-office Networks, and Internet software such as browsers and email. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Recognizing and comparing basic methods of online communication
- Locating and launching a web browser
- Navigating from one web site to another
- Accessing and sending email
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Middle School Examples
- Locating and launching a web browser on a computer
- Navigating from one web site to another
- Accessing and sending email, including composing email distribution lists
- Assessing content purpose and credibility as grade appropriate
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| Database: This module assesses tasks central to the use of common database interfaces, such as Web search engines, school library records, and specialized database design software. |
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Elementary School Examples
- Using web library search engines
- Searching using single and multiple keyword searches
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Middle School Examples
- Searching the web or other databases using both single and multiple keyword searches
- Searching the web or other databases using multivariate category searches
- Applying Boolean operators to narrow searches
- Sort, filter and search simple databases
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