Update on Information/ICT Literacy in the CSU

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy

The CSU has been a leading partner in the development of the iSkills (formerly ICT Literacy Assessment) assessment. Currently, there are two versions of the test: Core, targeting high school seniors community college students, or freshmen and sophomores at four-year institutions; and Advanced, aimed at testing ICT literacy proficiencies for rising juniors through the senior year.

Dr. Gordon Smith was selected to represent the CSU on the National Policy Council, a body convened to provide leadership in creating national standards for ICT Literacy. As part of this process, a Cut Score Panel gathered last July to make recommendations to the council on the appropriate cut score, or minimal passing score for both the core and advanced version of the test.

Systemwide Library Initiatives awarded nearly two-thirds of its information competence grants to campuses that planned to use the iSkills assessment. Most campuses are testing freshmen, using a pre- post-test option, in order to establish a baseline and to plan for instructional interventions based on identified gaps in students' ICT literacy proficiency. Campuses have just begun to report on the results of their testing, and we will provide more information in upcoming issues.

Information Literacy Learning Objects Initiative

Many of today's students are technologically savvy and enjoy learning via engaging, technology- rich learning environments. The benefits of utilizing learning objects are many: students can be reached simultaneously, without time and space restrictions; these tools address different learning styles; they can easily be integrated into learning management systems, etc. At the systemwide level, a committee will be convened in fall 2007 to create and launch learning objects that address information/ICT literacy competencies. Also, the CSU will participate in a national effort to produce learning objects that specifically address deficiencies students have with regard to ICT literacy.