Improving technology literacy: does it open doors to traditional content?

Abstract

This study investigated whether an identifiable link existed between gains in technology literacy and achievement in the areas of reading, mathematics, and language arts. Normal curve equivalent (NCE) content score changes from TerraNova assessments were calculated for approximately 5,000 students from fourth- to fifth-grade and 5,000 students from seventh- to eighth-grade. These changes were compared to relative gains from a pre- to post-assessment in technology literacy. The rationale that a correlation might be expected is grounded in two ideas: (1) technology literacy gains lead to heightened subject specific confidence, and (2) technology literacy gains reflect improved ability to use technology as a mediator of new learning. If correct, both of these conjectures would predict increased academic achievement among students experiencing gains in technology literacy. Results provided evidence of such connections between technology literacy gains and language arts skills.

Appendix

Subcategory	TLA-EL examples	TLA-MS examples
Systems and Fundamentals: assesses tasks central to the understanding and use of computer systems	Knowledge of the parts of the computer Storing and retrieving files on computers or networks Basic technology vocabulary	Creating, storing and retrieving data on local area networks and peripheral devices Basic troubleshooting for computer problems Recognizing and distinguishing among file types
Social and Ethical: assesses knowledge about accepted ethical norms as they relate to technology, as well as the impact of technology, past and present, on society	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	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
Word Processing: assesses tasks central to formatting text and text/page layout	Publishing and saving documents such as letters and short papers Formatting text	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
Spreadsheets: assesses tasks central to creating, editing, manipulating, and interpreting data in spreadsheets, charts, and graphs	Creating worksheets Entering and saving information Creating and interpreting basic graphs Formatting cells	Creating, entering, sorting, filtering and saving information Writing simple formulas Creating, labeling and interpreting more complex graphs
Multimedia and Presentations: assesses tasks central to the creation and manipulation of graphic, audio, and video by electronic means	Creating and editing multimedia projects Communicating effectively to a variety of audiences using multimedia Using video recorders to capture images and edit clips for use in video or other multimedia	Inserting graphics and other multimedia into documents Creating, formatting and saving presentations Capturing and composing audio-visual presentations
Telecommunications and Internet: assesses tasks central to telecommunications and internet software	Recognizing and comparing basic methods of online communication Navigating from one web site to another Accessing and sending e-mail	Navigating from one web site to another Assessing content purpose and credibility as grade appropriate
Database: assesses tasks central to the use of common database interfaces, such as Web search engines and library records	Using web library search engines Searching using single and multiple keyword searches	Searching the web or other databases using both single and multiple keyword searches Sort, filter and search simple databases