1. A Simple Tool to Measure Computer Literacy A Simple Tool to Measure Computer Literacy George Kontos, Ed.D. Assistant Professor Business and Computer Studies Bowling Green CC of WKU

2. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)2 Problems a Teacher Faces Class is not homogeneous because: Some students know a lot Some students know a lot Some students know something Some students know something Some students know nothing Some students know nothing How to deal with the situation?

3. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)3 One Possible Solution Ask the students this question: “How much do you know about…?” “How much do you know about…?” But, how do I do it? “Raise your hand if you know…” – Fast and simple but unreliable (b/c not anonymous) “Raise your hand if you know…” – Fast and simple but unreliable (b/c not anonymous) Detailed survey, pretests, etc. – Takes time and effort but may give reliable results Detailed survey, pretests, etc. – Takes time and effort but may give reliable results

4. A middle-of-the-road approach? 1. Use a short and simple questionnaire that asks students the most important questions. 2. Then, use a simple tool to analyze the collected data 3. Finally, interpret the results

5. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)5 This method was applied to an introduction to computers freshman class at Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University OVERVIEW : The Course The Course The Tool The Tool The Results The Results Limitations Limitations Discussion Discussion

6. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)6 The Course CSCI 145C Introduction to Computing TOPICS: Concepts (Computer Terminology) Concepts (Computer Terminology) History of Computers History of Computers The Internet and the Web The Internet and the Web Social and Ethical Issues Social and Ethical Issues Security and Privacy Security and Privacy Operating Systems Operating Systems Microsoft Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS, etc. Microsoft Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS, etc. Applications Software Applications Software Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) Practice (Lab Activities) Practice (Lab Activities)

7. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)7 Steps First Day of Classes: Use questionnaire Use questionnaire Collect data Collect dataThen: Analyze data Analyze data Obtain results Obtain results And Finally: Interpret results Interpret results Make decisions Make decisions

8. The Questionnaire Computer Literacy Survey 1. I am an expert (I know everything about it) 2. I know it very much 3. I know some of it but not much 4. I know very little about it 5. I do not know any of it On a scale of 1 to 5 (see above), please answer the following. Please give your very honest answers. Thank you!

9. The Questionnaire (Cont.) Answer (1 to 5) Scale:1 (know everything)5 (know nothing) (Please be honest!) 1. Computer Vocabulary______ 2. Microsoft Word______ 3. Microsoft Excel______ 4. Microsoft PowerPoint______ 5. Microsoft Access______ 6. Email______ 7. Web Searches______ 8. Networks______

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23. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)23 Limitations Validity concerns Validity concerns This is a self-assessment tool This is a self-assessment tool How ‘honest” were the students? How ‘honest” were the students? Do the answers reflect what students really know? Do the answers reflect what students really know? Answers are subject to interpretation Answers are subject to interpretation

24. Computer Literacy Survey... (Kontos)24 Strengths of the Tool May easily be adapted to other subject areas (English, math,…) May easily be adapted to other subject areas (English, math,…) Simple Simple Q u i c k ! Q u i c k !