GEAR Conference, 11/13/20031 Computers Too? Developing an Information Management Assessment Instrument in an Information Literacy-rich Environment Carla Hendrix, Associate Librarian Debra Kimok, Visiting Assistant Librarian Plattsburgh State University College of New York GEAR Conference, November 13-14, 2003

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20032 Topics of Discussion Context and Guiding Documents Development of the Technology/Computer Literacy Assessment Information Management Assessment Course Development & Beyond

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20033 Context and Guiding Documents Required course in information literacy – LIB101 SUNY Board of Trustees General Education requirements. New PSU General Education plan Task Force Report on Information and Computer Literacy

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20034 Context and Guiding Documents SUNY Board of Trustees Information Management Requirement –“Perform basic operations of personal computer use; understand and use basic research techniques; and locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources”

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20035 Context and Guiding Documents Plattsburgh’s New General Education Plan Requirement for Information Management –“Courses in this category will ensure that students have mastered the skills and concepts basic to information and technology literacy….Courses in this category will focus on the ability to use technology effectively and filter, analyze and critique information and experience.”

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20036 Context and Guiding Documents Task Force on Information & Computer Literacy – Computer Skills Become familiar with Plattsburgh’s technology facilities and services, the essentials of using computers, and basic communication and word processing Be introduced to the potential uses of spreadsheets, databases, graphics and presentation programs Be introduced to ethical, legal, and socioeconomic issues surrounding technology use at Plattsburgh and in society

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20037 Development of Computer Literacy Computer Literacy Assessment Library Faculty Assessment Group Membership Librarians from four units: Access Services, Information Outreach, Collection Development & Management, Instruction Services Coordinator, Instructional Technology

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20038 Computer Literacy Assessment Issues Who would teach computer literacy? Who else would create assessment, if not us? Who would administer assessment? What format should be used for assessment? Should test be online or paper?

GEAR Conference, 11/13/20039 Computer Literacy Assessment Models California State – Chico State, Calpoly University of Houston Australian National University University of Oregon

GEAR Conference, 11/13/ Computer Literacy Assessment Categories –Familiarity with Plattsburgh’s Technology Services & Facilities –Essentials of using computers –Basic communication –Basic word processing—in Microsoft Word –Basic browser use

GEAR Conference, 11/13/ Merging information literacy and technology literacy into one test Final modifications of the test Assessment results raise questions for future exploration Assessment development benefits new course development Information Management Assessment

GEAR Conference, 11/13/ Course Development and Beyond Assessment to course development Comparison of on-campus version of course with SLN version Pencil & paper assessment vs. hands-on skills assessment

GEAR Conference, 11/13/ Things We Learned Group development of assessment brings multiple voices & viewpoints A variety of campus models can provide directions and guidance when embarking on assessment development for the first time. Developing an assessment test can be a powerful tool to assist in the development of a new course or revision of an existing course.

GEAR Conference, 11/13/ Resources & Contact Information A resource page with links to the materials mentioned in this presentation is available at: Contact Us: Debra Kimok Carla Hendrix