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-ROM
- Modem (not always necessary, depending on Internet connection)
- Printer
- Monitor
B. System Use: Concepts
- Basic Hardware Components
- CD-ROM
- modem
- hard and floppy drives
- Software
- installing/uninstalling
- versions
- types
- applications
- utilities
- licenses
- Memory
- 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
- floppy drive and CD-ROM problems
- recovering lost data
- fixing damaged files
- Upgrades and Improvements
- upgrading the system
- adding memory
- Communications Hardware
- 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
- connecting
- installing ISP software
- setting up accounts
- Using Browsers
- using links
- creating/deleting accounts
- customizing preferences
- using navigation buttons
- saving to favorites or bookmarks
- organization favorites or bookmarks
- downloading and installing plug-ins
- Saving Web Data
- Printing Web Site Contents
- 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
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- World Wide Web
- browser
- Web pages
- HTML
- Web scripting languages (CGI, PERL)
- dynamically generating Web content
- information architecture
- navigation
- content
- Basic Hardware Components
- Types of Internet Connectivity
- dedicated line versus dial-up
- speeds: 56K, ISDN, DSL, T-1
- The Internet
- What is the Internet?
- How does the Internet work?
- What is the history of the Internet?
- What are the different ways in which the Internet is used?
- What are the issues of safety and privacy involving the Internet, particularly with youth?
C. Internet: Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting Resources
- Customizing Netscape/Internet Explorer
- changing fonts and settings
- eliminating/restoring window elements
- Communications Hardware
- Upgrades and Improvements
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
- Types of Email Software
- Outlook
- others: Eudora, Internet Explorer mail, Pine, etc.
- Printing Messages
- 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
C. Electronic Mailing List Problem Solving
- Writing to a Listowner
- What to Do If You Are "Flamed"
- It Might Be Time to Sign off a List If . . .
