Assessing Computer Skills

Competency A: Find and use Information

Task group A1: Read continuous text

Level: 1

At this level, learners: Read brief texts to locate specific details

Performance Descriptors
(Please note that not all might apply)

The learner:
•    Decodes words and makes meaning of sentences in a single text
•    Reads short texts to locate a single piece of information
•    Follows the sequence of events in straightforward chronological texts
•    Follows simple, straightforward instructional texts
•    Identifies the main idea in brief texts
•    Requires support to identify sources and to evaluate and integrate information

Task Descriptors
(Please note that not all might apply)

•    Scope of task is limited
•    Involves one text
•    Is up to one paragraph in length
•    Contains common, familiar vocabulary
•    Has a familiar context
•    Addresses concrete, day-to-day topics
•    Has a highly explicit purpose

Text Types:
Instructional, descriptive, narrative, and brief informational texts

Examples:
•    Notes
•    Simple directions
•    Instructions
•    Brief emails
•    Simple narratives

ESKARGO:

Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario - A1.1

Competency A: Find and Use Information
Task Group A2: Interpret documents
Level: 3
At this level, learners:
Interpret somewhat complex documents to connect, evaluate, and integrate information

Performance Descriptors

The learner:

• Performs complex searches using multiple search criteria
• Manages unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic) to complete tasks
• Integrates several pieces of information from documents
• Compares or contrasts information between two or more documents
• Uses layout to locate information
• Identifies the purpose and relevance of documents
• Begins to recognize bias in displays, such as graphs
• Makes inferences and draws conclusions from information displays
• Identifies sources, evaluates and integrates information

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task may not be clearly defined
• May involve more than one document
• Uses a somewhat complex format
• Displays many categories of information
• Contains sub-headings or subparts
• Can vary in length
• May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
• May contain specialized vocabulary
• Documents at this level may contain a paragraph or more of text

Examples:

• Forms
• Tables
• Timelines
• Graphs
• Maps
• Flow charts

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – A2.3

Competency D: Use Digital Technology
Level: 3
At this level, learners: Experiment and problem-solve to perform multi-step digital tasks

Performance Descriptors
The learner:

• Experiments and problem- solves to achieve the desired results
• Manages unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic) to complete tasks
• Makes inferences to interpret icons and text
• Selects appropriate software when required by the task
• Identifies sources, evaluates and integrates information
• Customizes software interfaces (e.g. toolbar, homepage settings)
• Performs advanced searches (e.g. refines search terms, uses advanced search features, cross-refers between websites)

Task Descriptors

• Scope of task may not be clearly defined
• May include unfamiliar elements (e.g. vocabulary, context, topic)
• Requires multiple steps to complete
• Requires the use of a wide range of features and options
• Has many options to complete; may not have a set procedure
• Uses a somewhat complex format
• May contain extended text, icons, or both
• Text and icons required to complete tasks may require interpretation
• May contain distracting information
• May contain specialized vocabulary
• Interface offers a variety of options through menus

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – D.3

Competency E: Manage Learning
Level: 1
At this level, learners: Set short-term goals, begin to use limited learning strategies, and begin to monitor own learning

Performance Descriptors for the learner:

• Demonstrates positive attitude to learning
• Accepts positive feedback and constructive criticism
• Recognizes and expresses when one does not know something
• Accepts new learning challenges
• Willing to work independently
• Takes responsibility for learning
• Takes initiative
• Takes risks in learning situations
• Manages time (e.g. makes realistic estimates about time, meets deadlines, completes activities and tasks in a logical order)
• Attends class regularly and punctually
• Checks accuracy of work

Goal Setting:
The learner:

• Sets short-term goals
• Identifies steps required to achieve goals
• Begins to monitor progress towards achieving goals
• Begins to identify barriers to achieving goals

Learning Strategies:
The learner:

• Begins to use a limited number of learning strategies (e.g. follows instructions, takes literal notes, highlights or underlines key information, uses a calendar or agenda)
• Begins to identify ways to remember information and reinforce learning (e.g. reviewing notes)
• Creates “to do” lists to keep organized

Monitoring Learning:
The learner:

• Begins to monitor own learning
• Identifies preferred learning style
• Identifies one source of information (e.g. text, document, classmate, co-worker) to complete tasks
• Uses feedback to improve performance

ESKARGO:
Embedded Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Reference Guide for Ontario – E.1