Appendix D: Computer Skills Assessment for Teachers

Computer Skills Assessment for Teachers

Adapted from digital literacy self-assessments developed by SABES Program Support PD Center and the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN)

This self-rating form is comprehensive and suitable for use in helping teachers determine their own technology competencies. You may want to use the items here as a guide to develop your own checklist that focuses on the skills required by the particular distance education program you are offering.

Access to Technology 

  1. Do you have a device for teaching that you can use at your local agency, satellite locations, and/or home (if needed)?
  2. Do you have access to high-speed internet at your local agency, satellite locations, and/or home (if needed)?
  3. Do you have access to other technology needed for the distance education program (e.g., smartphone, tablet, software, applications)?

For each of these areas below, please indicate your skill level integrating these tools/skills into teaching activities and your interest in attending professional development on this topic using the scales below:

Rating
My skill level integrating these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
1 I have no experience, or I do not feel comfortable with this tool/skill.  Not interested 
2 I have used this before a few times, or I am somewhat comfortable with this tool/skill.  Somewhat interested 
3 I use this skill/tool fairly regularly or I feel comfortable with this tool/skill.  Interested
4 I use this skill/tool regularly or I feel very comfortable with this tool/skill.  Very interested

Basic Computer Operation

There are some basic skills and knowledge that both you and your students need to have in order to learn with technology, such as start-up steps, using the keyboard, printing, and troubleshooting simple problems.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Performing basic computer operations, such as managing files, using the toolbar, keyboarding, opening and closing programs, moving between programs, and printing    
Fixing minor computer problems, such as the computer freezing, not printing, or no sound coming from the speakers    

Productivity Software

These tools allow people to perform various tasks, including creating written documents, graphs and spreadsheets, and presentations. Some popular productivity software includes MicrosoftOffice (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Using a word processing program (e.g., MS Word, Google Docs) to create a variety of documents    
Using presentation software (e.g, PowerPoint, Google Slides) to create presentations    
Using a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets) for personal use and to automate administrative tasks, such as keeping a gradebook, making a budget, or graphing survey results    
Locating, scanning, and manipulating graphics and saving them in a variety of formats    

Instructional Software

These resources include a wide array of programs, ranging from complete online curricula to those used for specific skill development, e.g., reading, writing, math, work skills, and ESOL.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Evaluating and using a variety of content-specific instructional software programs for specific learning purposes    
Regularly tracking and supporting student progress online    
Developing and aligning individual learning plans for students with particular software and the goals of the student    
Using a learning management system or a digital homeroom where students can access and submit assignments    
Teaching online classes via webinars or video chats    

Assistive Technology (AT)

These tools include assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices. AT promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to or had great difficulty accomplishing.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Creating learning resources that are
accessible for learners with disabilities
   
Making computers and other technology more accessible (e.g., making the cursor speed slower, increasing font size, or using text-to-speech software)    
Locating software, such as graphic organizers, and/or assistive devices, such as adaptive keyboards    

Using Online Resources

Many classes have access to and use the Internet on a regular basis because adult learners need the skills involved for further education, at their places of employment, and for daily life needs.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Using online resources on a regular basis; moving easily between websites for purposes such as research and communication    
Evaluating the content of websites for validity and appropriateness    
Creating and maintaining a website for information and communication    
Saving and sharing documents, bookmarks, and other materials online    

Communication Tools

People communicate using a variety of online technology tools such as email, text messaging, shared online documents, blogs, and social networking sites

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Setting up an email account and communicating via email, including attachments    
Creating or contributing to online discussions via a blog, wiki, discussion, board, podcast, instant messaging, or social media    
Joining and participating in an online (e.g., webinar, videoconference) meeting    

Video Technologies

These tools include video cameras and other digital media tools as well as video editing software. These tools can be used to create both teacher- and student-generated videos.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Creating video using a smartphone, camera, or tablet    

Creating a screencast video, for example a video showing learners how to log in to a website 

   
Uploading/sharing video, for example via Google Drive or YouTube    

Professional Development

Keeping up with and integrating technology into classrooms requires continuous learning and exploring. There are many ways you can continue to learn, including doing research online, subscribing to email lists, using Twitter or other social networking sites, talking to colleagues, attending conferences, and even using this self-assessment tool.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Participating in professional development courses or workshops related to integrating technology into the curriculum    
Using listservs (email discussion lists), blogs, social media, online courses, and other web-based resources    

Evaluating and Using New Technologies

One of the most challenging tasks you may face is simply keeping up with current technologies and choosing what is best to use in your classroom and program. Sometimes our students are way ahead of us!

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Having knowledge of and using technology tools to design and develop digital learning experiences and assessments    
Using features of a mobile device or phone such as text messaging, web access, and downloading and logging onto apps    
Selecting technology appropriate for tasks; understanding and applying examples of how subject matter and technology are integrated into the teaching/learning process to facilitate student achievement, creativity, and innovation    

Social and Legal Issues

The instructor serves as a role model when it comes to using technology. This includes knowing and obeying copyright, privacy, and other computer and Internet usage laws; modeling healthy habits while using computers; and thinking and talking about the role of technology in society.

Area
My skill level integrating
these tools/skills into learning activities
My interest in attending
PD on this topic
Knowing about Internet safety, privacy, and security; digital footprint; and online reputation    
Knowing strategies and techniques regarding
information literacy and impact on daily life
   

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