Appendix B

Basic Technology Competencies for Educators
Self-Assessment Tool
Developed by E.T.G. Work Group
This Document contains a sample assessment tool for the new Basic Technology Competencies for educators. This is a multi-purpose document. It dissects the knowledge and skills, both essential and expanded, into easily assessed subsets. This document additionally aligns these Technology Competencies with the student Computer Skills and Information Skills Curriculum K-12. Also, skills needed to accomplish some of the competencies have been added and are indicated by bullets. This tool can serve as a personal record for educators, documenting the way skills are acquired and completion date of acquisition.

This document was developed for your convenience and use. You may choose to adapt it in any way to meet the special needs of your LEA or school.

Legend
STR = Curriculum Strands BOLD text = Technology Competencies DB = Database
GL = Grade Level SS = Spreadsheet TC = Telecomputing
DK = Do not Know SU = Societal Use IS = Information Skills
K = Know, but need additional help ET = Ethics CSU = Curriculum Software Use
U = Know and Use TO = Terms & Operations
AT = Able to Teach WP = Word Processing

STR
GL
1.0 Computer Operation Skills
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge & Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
TO K-31.1 Start up and shut down computer system and peripherals
  • Use correct startup/shut down procedure according to computer type
  • Start up and shut down printer
  • Start up and shut down CD-ROM
  • Start up and shut down scanner
TO K-31.2 Identify and use icons, windows, menus
  • Point, click, double-click, click and drag with mouse
  • Maximize and minimize a window
  • Use pull-down and expanded pull-down menus
  • Select, open, and move an icon
  • Select, open, move, and close a window
  • Resize a window and title/stack windows
  • Scroll up/down, left/right within a window
  • Make a window active/inactive
TO 21.3 Start an application and create a document
WP 2-41.4 Name, save, retrieve, revise a document
  • Name a document
  • Save a document using both the Save and Save As Commands
  • Retrieve a document from floppy disk
  • Retrieve a document from hard drive
  • Rename a document
  • Edit and re-save a document
WP 2-41.5 Use printing options
TO K-31.6 Insert and eject floppy disk and CD-ROM
CSU 9-121.7 Initialize, name/rename floppy disk and hard disk
WP 9-121.8 Copy document from hard disk to floppy disk and vice versa
CSU 9-121.9 Create and name/rename subdirectories/folders
WP 2-41.10 Save, open, place documents inside subdirectories/folders
CSU 9-121.11 Open and work with more than one application at a time
1.12 Use special operating features for people with disabilities

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
1.13 Terms such as graphical user interface, document, application, K (kilobyte), hierarchical file system, directory, operation system, system software, RAM
CSU 9-121.14 Storage capacity of floppy/hard disks, CD-ROMs
CSU 9-121.15 Similarities/differences and advantages/disadvantages of various operating systems

Expanded Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
1.16 Make more memory available
1.17 Install/reinstall and update system software and printer drivers
  • Install/reinstall and update system software
  • Install/reinstall and update printer drivers
1.18 Exchange disks and files among Macintosh, MS-DOS/Windows and Apple II computers

STR
GL
2.0 Setup, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
CSU9-12 2.1 Setup computer system and connect peripheral devices
  • Setup computer system (i.e., CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, external drive)
  • Connect peripheral devices (i.e., printers, CD-ROM, external drives, modem, scanner)
TOK-3 2.2 Protect and care for floppy disks
2.3 Clean computer components and printer
CSU9-12 2.4 Make backup copies of key applications and documents
CSU9-12 2.5 Use self-help resources to diagnose and correct common hardware/printing problems
CSU9-12 2.6 Installing and upgrade an application

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
TOK-3 2.7 Proper operating environment for computer and peripherals
ET8 2.8 Protection against computer viruses
2.9 Technical assistance resources available at local level

STR
GL
3.0 Word Processing/Introductory Desktop Publishing
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
WP2-5 3.1 Enter and edit text and copy and move a block of text
Use the following functions:
  • Clipboard (a special location in the computer's memory that temporarily holds information)
  • Cut (a function that removes highlighted information from its current location and places it on the clipboard)
  • Copy (a function that duplicates highlighted information and places a copy on the clipboard)
  • Paste (a function that copies information from the clipboard to a document)
  • Delete text (using the mouse, place the I-beam cursor at the location where the new text is to be placed, click the mouse button and begin typing the new text)
  • Insert text (using the mouse, place the I-beam cursor at the location where the new text is to be placed, click the mouse button, and begin typing the new text)
WP5 3.2 Copy and move blocks of text
WP5 3.3 Change text format and style, set margin, line spacing, tabs
Use the following functions:
  • Sizing font, (change actual size of text)
  • Style (choose type and special effects such as bold, italics underline)
  • Margins (amount of white space on the top, bottom, left and right edges of page)
  • Set margins (to change defaults, already set margins, by using margins)
  • Line spacing (amount of space between lines in a paragraph such as single space, space and a half, and double space)
  • Tab stops (align/justify to left, right, center, decimal tab)
  • Tabs (used to position text within a line or to create tables of data)
WP6 3.4 Check spelling, grammar, word usage
Use the following word processing utilities:
  • Spell check
  • Thesaurus
  • Dictionary, outliner, grammar check as applicable
WP8 3.5 Create a header or footer
WP8 3.6 Insert date, time, page number
WP8 3.7 Add columns to document
WP8 3.8 Insert clip art into document

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
WP2-6 3.9 Terms such as cursor, format, font, style, header, footer, spelling checker

STR
GL
4.0 Spreadsheet/Graphing
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
SS6-8 4.1 Interpret and communicate information in an existing spreadsheet
  • Understand the concept of a spreadsheet and relate a print spreadsheet to an electronic spreadsheet
  • Understand the possibilities of spreadsheet calculations
  • Given a print spreadsheet and an electronic spreadsheet, interpret and communicate information from each
SS7-8 4.2 Enter data in an existing spreadsheet
  • Given a spreadsheet template, enter data in a cell(s)
  • Use the entry bar for data entry and editing
  • Print a spreadsheet (with no text formatting, etc.)
  • Manipulate data within an existing spreadsheet in order to solve a problem.
CSU9-12 4.3 Create a spreadsheet with rows, columns, headings
CSU9-12 4.4 Create/copy formulas and functions to perform calculations
  • Understand the three basic types of cells (label, value, and formula)
    • Format a cell or range of cells for the following: currency, date, time, percentage, fixed decimal
    • Protect a cell or range of cells
    • Create spreadsheet with labels and values
    • Create a formula using a formula indicator symbol, cell references, and operations symbols (+-*/)
    • Understand order of operations as it relates to writing a spreadsheet formula (PEMDAS)
  • Create a formula using functions (SUM and AVERAGE) and a range of cells
    • Be aware of other functions available
    • Be aware of look up tables and their use
  • Copy values using fill down and fill across
    • Copy formulas using fill down and fill across
    • Be aware of relative and absolute value as it relates to copying formulas
  • Change the appearance of a spreadsheet by inserting columns and rows
    • Change the appearance of a spreadsheet using column width and row height
    • Change the appearance of a spreadsheet using gridlines, headers, and footers
    • Change the appearance of a spreadsheet using text features for label cells
    • Change the appearance of a spreadsheet using hiding and freezing/splitting
CSU9-12 4.5 Create a graph from spreadsheet data
  • Know the three basic types of graphs (bar, pie, line) and their uses
  • Using a previously created graph, select a range of data and choose the appropriate graph
  • Change and refine a graph's appearance to include headers, legend, labels, series, axes, color, etc.)
  • Print a refined graph
CSU9-12 4.6 Insert a spreadsheet into a word processing document
  • Open a word processing document and insert an existing spreadsheet into the document
  • Print a word processing document with an inserted spreadsheet
  • Insert a pre-existing graph into a word processing document
  • Insert headers and footers

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
SS6 4.7 Terms such as spreadsheet, cell, data entry bar, formula, function

STR
GL
5.0 Database
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
DB6-8 5.1 Use information from an existing database
  • Describe the difference between a print database and a computer database
  • Use a prepared database to enter data
  • Add a record to an existing database
  • Delete a record to an existing database
  • Search a database for specific information
DB6-8 5.2 Sort a database by specific fields, add and delete record
  • Use a database to sort records
  • Use a database to search for desired information given 1 criterion
  • Use a database to search for desired information given 2 criteria (using "and", "or", or "not" connectors)
  • Use sorting and searching techniques to solve a specific problem
CSU9-12 5.3 Create database with multiple fields and records
  • Create database with multiple fields
  • Create database with multiple fields and varying field sizes
  • Create database with multiple records
DB6 5.4 Create custom layouts including columnar reports
  • Create a database layout/report utilizing various word processing skills (including fonts, size, style, alignment, and borders)
  • Create a database layout/report with headers and footers
  • Create a database layout to match an existing form
  • Create a database report with calculated summaries
  • Print a database
    • Print individual records and/or forms
    • Print a database list/multiple records
    • Print a customized database report
CSU9-12 5.5 Insert database fields into word processing document
  • Create a word processing document with inserted database fields
  • Print a merged word processing/database document

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
DB4-8 5.6 Terms such as database, field, record, layout, sort/arrange, search/select/filter, mail merge

STR
GL
6.0 Networking
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
TC5-7 6.1 Use a file server (connect/log on, retrieve a program or document, save a document to a specified location)
  • Connect/log on
  • Retrieve a program or document
  • Save a document to a specified location
  • Disconnect/log off
CSU9-12 6.2 Share files with others on a network

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
6.3 Terms such as local area network, wide area network, access rights, security passwords, file server, zone

Expanded Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
6.4 Select/de-select a network zone

STR
GL
7.0 Telecommunications
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
TC
CSU 		5-7
9-12 		7.1 Connect to the Internet or an on-line service
  • Check physical connections before attempting log on
    • Check that all telecomputing hardware is turned on and check cable connections
  • Locate and use connection software (configuration & client)
  • Connect to Internet via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with a user ID and password
  • Be aware of commercial providers and their services
TC
CSU 		5-7
9-12 		7.2 Use Electronic Mail (compose, send, retrieve, read, respond)
  • Compare the process of sending and receiving messages electronically vs non-electronically
  • Compose new e-mail (address and subject; explanation of address domains)
  • Send e-mail (concepts of carbon copy (cc) and blind carbon copy (bcc))
  • Retrieve and read e-mail
  • Reply to sender and forward e-mail
  • Save, print, and delete e-mail
TC
CSU 		5-7
9-12 		7.3 Access and use resources on Internet and World Wide Web
  • Identify computers as tools for accessing current information (concept of Internet as a large network and database)
  • Use browser software (concepts: hypertext, html, homepage)
  • Access a specific web site by entering the appropriate URL (concept of URL, http, web site)
  • Find a search engine site and perform a specific web search (list of search engines and purposes)
  • Knowledge and use of filters (software driven, server based, search engine inclusive)

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
7.4 Terms such as telecommunications, direct access, dial-in access, modem, baud rate, Internet, World Wide Web
  • Identify telecomputing terms (i.e., telecommunications, direct access, dial-in access, modem, baud rate, Internet, World Wide Web, telnet)
7.5 Obtain/maintain an account on the Internet or an on-line service that provides Internet access
  • Knowledge of local accounts and access
  • Knowledge of commercial accounts and access
7.6 On-line conferences relevant to professional information needs
  • Be aware of on-line conference relevant to professional information
7.7 Use of Telnet to connect to a remote computer on the Internet
  • Connect to county or university library

Expanded Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
7.8 Connect a computer to a modem and telephone line for dial-in access
7.9 Install and configure telecommunications software
7.10 Upload a text file and send as electronic mail
7.11 Use specialized e-mail lists relevant to professional information needs
7.12 Create and use group addresses for electronic mail
7.13 Read, save, print, reply to, forward electronic mail
7.14 Use Gopher to browse resources on the Internet
7.15 Use FTP to send or retrieve files from remote computers
7.16 Use effectively distance learning, desktop video conferencing, and teleteaching technologies

STR
GL
8.0 Media Communications (including
image and audio processing)
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
CSU
WP 		9-12
8 		8.1 Produce print-based products (e.g., newsletters, brochures, posters, books)
  • Layout
    • Specify multiple-columns
    • Set up horizontal & vertical guides
    • Use column guides & rulers (position zero, lock/unlock guides, reposition rulers, equal/unequal columns)
    • Create Master Page (display and hide elements)
  • Text
    • Create, place, format, & position text (create drop caps, apply shading, rotating text, auto flow/reflow text, manual flow text, auto page number, custom text wrap)
    • Rotate text
    • Create banner text
    • Create Table of Contents, Index
    • Create & apply styles
    • Format tabs & indents
  • Graphics
    • Resize and position objects, proportionally scale objects
    • Create, place, format, & position graphics elements (draw and position objects, group, ungroup objects, shade, color)
IS6-12 8.2 Produce electronic slides/overheads
  • Ensure good design features
  • Select template
  • Outline presentation
    • Create basic outline
    • Use Tools to modify/rearrange
  • Slides
    • Define/edit color scheme
    • Position & format text
    • Insert graphics, sound, and/or video
    • Organize slides for slide show
    • Insert appropriate transitions
    • Run and/or edit slide show
8.3 Set up and operate a videocassette recorder/player and monitor/TV
CSU9-12 8.4 Connect a video output device (e.g., LCD panel) to computer for large screen display

Demonstrate knowledge through practical applications:
8.5 Terms such as painting tool, drawing tool, compression
8.6 Role of media in effective communication
IS6-12 8.7 Characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of different media
8.8 Consumer issues, including identification/evaluation of available media communication resources

Expanded Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
CSU9-12 8.9 Use painting and drawing tools
CSU9-12 8.10 Use digital camera and scanner
IS9-12 8.11 Use camcorder and edit video from a camcorder
IS6-12 8.12 Produce a video
8.13 Set up and operate a videodisk player and TV receiver or monitor

STR
GL
9.0 Multimedia Integration
DK
K
U
AT
Acquisition of Skills
(Self-taught, inservice, courses)
Completion Date
Essential Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate these skills:
CSU9-12 9.1 Use a linear multimedia presentation
CSU9-12 9.2 Use a non-linear, hypermedia presentation

Demonstrate knowledge through practical application:
WP7 9.3 Terms such as media, multimedia, hypermedia, clip media

Expanded Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate skills of:
9.4 Plan/produce a linear multimedia presentation
9.5 Plan/produce a non-linear, hypermedia presentation
9.6 Use a file compression utility
9.7 Input and digitize sound from microphone and audiocassette player/recorder
9.8 Create simple animations

Go to the Advanced Technology Competencies

Back to the Regional Technology Planning Guide for North Carolina

Last Modified 7/3/97