Self-Assessment Tools

Self Assessment Chart & Technical Skills Self-Assessment Survey

The following is a self-assessment chart you can modify and use with your staff. The chart gives individuals an opportunity to think about and assess their skill level and to identify areas where they want or need additional training.

Please place a check mark in the column that best describes your skill level and experience for each of the seven competencies listed below. This information will help us determine the best training programs to offer in the future to meet the needs of our staff.

  Experienced/Would do well Have had comparable experience Could learn fairly easily/Would like to learn Wouldn't be good at it Comments
1. Invent/organize learning activities for young children          
2. Hold the attention of a group of young children          
3. Offer critique to co-workers          
4. Remain calm and take responsibility in a crisis situation          
5. Teach conflict resolution to children          
6. Work effectively as part of a lab team          
7. Show co-workers how to use email          

8. Is there any competency you would like to mention that has not been covered by the above?

 

 

9. Please list the computer systems and software with which you have worked.

 

 

10. Do you have any experience with the following:

Web site development
Use of email for educational projects
Photography
Video production
Desktop publishing
Drawing, graphic design or other visual arts
Music or performance arts (dance, theater)
Creative or journalistic writing

If yes, please describe:

 

 

Technical Skills Self-Assessment Survey

New staff members and staff members who are new to working with technology should begin by assessing their technical skill levels. The resulting skills inventory will help managers develop individualized professional development programs. Often staff members will have a wide variety of skills, and it may be difficult to create a single training program that will fit everyone. Assessment allows managers to pair up staff who have mastery in different skills.

Training needs can be met in a variety of ways, depending on learning skills, staff requirements and logistical issues. Sometimes staff just need designated time to walk through online tutorials or read how-to materials. Others learn best when paired with a "tech mentor." Classes work well for some learners, whereas others benefit most from on the job training. Starting with a thorough assessment will allow your organization to develop a comprehensive training plan.

Those taking the survey below should rate themselves according to the following descriptors:

    • Need to learn -- does not have any level of competency with skill
    • Competent--is able to implement skill through own use of computer
    • Can teach staff -- is capable of transferring skill to a peer in a one-on-one setting
    • Can integrate into lesson -- is comfortable enough with skill and project/lesson development to be able to weave into a lesson or activity with youth

This survey does not assess competency with specific software programs.

I. SYSTEM USE COMPETENCIES

A. System Use: Skills

    • Mousework
      • dragging
      • clicking
      • resizing windows
    • Desktop Organization
      • organization hard drive
      • using menus
      • managing trash/recycle bin
    • Files and Folders
      • saving
      • creating
      • deleting
      • moving
      • copying
    • CD & DVD Drives
    • Printer
    • Monitor

B. System Use: Concepts

    • Basic Hardware Components
      • CD & DVD Drives
    • Software
      • installing/uninstalling
      • versions
      • types
      • applications
      • utilities
      • licenses
    • Memory
      • RAM
      • ROM
    • CPU
    • Operating System

C. System Use: Problem Solving

    • Basics
      • common error messages
      • diagnostic software
      • identifying and isolating problems
      • use of help files
    • Monitors/Printers/Keyboards/Other Devices 
      • diagnosing and finding printer problems
      • font problems
      • mouse and trackball problems
    • Storage Media
      • CD, DVD, Externarl Hard Drives
      • recovering lost data
      • fixing damaged files
    • Upgrades and Improvements
      • upgrading the system
      • adding memory
    • Communications Hardware
      • wireless
    • Preventive Maintenance
      • routine cleaning and components
      • virus protection
      • effects of environmental factors
      • routine maintenance
      • creating emergency start-up disk
      • file compression methods and tweaking the system
      • compatibility problems

II. INTERNET COMPETENCIES

A. Internet: Skills

    • Using Browsers
      • using links
      • customizing preferences
      • using navigation buttons
      • saving to favorites or bookmarks
      • organization favorites or bookmarks
      • downloading and installing plug-ins
    • Saving Web Data
    • Connecting
    • Using Search Engines
      • typing/copying URLs
      • searching entire Web for information
      • searching Web page for information
      • performing custom searches
    • Using Web Discussion Forums
      • posting
      • replying to a posting
      • removing a posting
      • searching for a posting
      • use of threaded discussion format/optimizing format

B. Internet: Concepts

    • World Wide Web
      • browser
      • Web pages
      • HTML
      • Web scripting languages
      • dynamically generating Web content
      • information architecture
      • navigation
      • content
      • RSS
    • Types of Internet Connectivity
      • dedicated line versus dial-up
      • speeds: 56K, ISDN, DSL, T-1
      • Wireless

C. Internet: Problem Solving

    • Troubleshooting Resources
      • ISP
      • online guide
    • Customizing Web Browser
      • changing fonts and settings
      • eliminating/restoring window elements
    • Upgrades and Improvements
      • downloading files

III. EMAIL COMPETENCIES

A. Email Skills

    • Addressing Messages
      • address book
      • making group address lists
    • Composing and Editing Messages
    • Using rich text or HTML formats
    • Sending and Receiving Messages
      • save/save as: inbox, delete, reply, in/out/trash
      • cc/bcc
      • forward
      • attachments
      • mail queues
    • Printing Messages
      • message format
    • Organizing Email
      • making folders
      • managing inboxes
      • using filters
    • Other Email Issues
      • configuring email settings
      • password changes

B. Email: Concepts

    • Attachments
    • Sending and Receiving
    • Relationship of Email to the Internet
    • Mail Server
    • Expectations for Use of Email
    • Encryption

C. Email Problem Solving

    • Problems Composing and Editing Messages
    • Dealing with Bounced Messages
    • Sending and Receiving Messages
      • software problems
      • hardware problems
      • mail server/ISP problems
      • problems handling attachments
    • Printing Problems

IV. ELECTRONIC MAILING LIST COMPETENCIES

A. Electronic Mailing List: Skills

    • How to Find Lists
    • Signing up for a List
    • Reading List Rules
    • Posting a Message to a List
    • Replying to a List: Group Message
    • Replying to an Individual: Private Message
    • Signing off a List

B. Electronic Mailing List: Concepts

    • Types of Lists: Closed, Open, Moderated Discussion, News List
    • How Are Lists Set up and Managed?
    • "Netiquette": Protocols, Respectful and Responsible Use, Spamming