Basic Computer Skills

Technology Improvement Plan Performance Indicators

Technology Indicator	Performance Levels
For Each Teacher:	Level 1 Basic Use	Level 2 Introductory	Level 3 Intermediate	Level 4 Proficient
General Understanding and Operation of a Basic Computer System	Identifies hardware, software, peripherals and their purpose. Can start and shut down computer and peripherals.	Uses icons, windows, menus, and peripherals (disks, CD Roms, etc.) with confidence and ease. Can organize the desktop for productivity.	Can set up a computer and peripheral device, load software, print and solve most printing problems, use Windows Explorer, Find, Recycle Bin, etc.), format and name a disk, use right clicking for efficiency, use keyboard shortcuts, unfreeze a computer, and shut down properly	Can multitask programs, utilize windows for efficiency, customize the look and sounds of the computer, use shift-clicking to work with multiple files, look for techniques to maximize the operating system, and serve as a mentor in technology basic skills to other teachers
File Management	Can start an application, create documents, and save to a specified local or network drive.	Can name, save, retrieve, and revise documents filed to various drive formats.	Can establish and use a hierarchical system for saving files and can locate files quickly and reliably. Can appropriately choose storage media of saved files, and back-up files to a floppy disk or other storage media regularly.	Can organize and establish a hierarchial filing system on a network drive, can use techniques to find files using my computer or explorer. Can copy documents between local and network drives or diskettes.
Word Processing	Can identify and use features of a word processor which would benefit everyday tasks.	Uses a word processor for simple documents such as tests, memos to other teachers, etc.	Can use edit and spell check effectively in for written and professional work. Can use bullets, tabs, margins, and other functions for formatting.	Uses word processing to create lesson plans, enhance documents for handouts, create templates, and other classroom materials. Designs documents with formatted text in columns with different fonts and colors.

Spreadsheet Use	Uses a spreadsheet for simple data and calculations. Can identify spreadsheet terms (e.g. cells, alignment, formula, etc). Can open a spreadsheet file and enter text into specific cells.	Can navigate within a spreadsheet. Can create a simple spreadsheet which adds a column of numbers.	Can use spreadsheets in various ways with labels, formulas, and cell references. Can change the format of a spreadsheet by changing column widths and text style. Can create a simple graph or chart.	Creates formatted spreadsheets for classroom document handouts. Use spreadsheets with students for various data keeping skills related to classroom assignments and tasks.
Database Use	Can define data base terms (e.g. records, fields, etc.). Can create and enter data into a database.	Understands the functional purpose of a database with searches and queries. Can open and locate information and add and delete data to the file.	Can create an original database by defining fields and creating layouts. Can find sort and print information which is clear and useful.	Can use a database to mail merge in a word processing document. Can use a database to track student information.
Graphics Use	Understands the role of graphics with word processing and can identify ways in which they would benefit work.	Can use a simple paint and drawing program to create graphic file formats which enhance my work.	Can use clip art and simple original graphics in word processing documents and presentations. Can group objects for manipulation. Can use the clipboard to take graphics from one application to another.	Can assist students in using graphics for their own communications. Can create files with graphics which clarify meaning.
Multimedia Use	Can define presentation and multimedia terms (e.g. slides, slideshow, etc.) Understands the role PowerPoint can have in the classroom. Can identify ways in which to use multimedia for clarification.	Can navigate a pre-made multimedia program. Can create and save presentations and use basic tools. Can use a template to create a presentation, insert text, and clip art or paint images. Can print slides or presentations.	Can modify presentations by inserting or deleting slides, changing background, and/or manipulating views. Can incorporate sound and note image types (i.e. jpg or gif).	Can incorporate transitions and effects to slides if appropriate. Can incorporate hyperlinks, internet graphics, etc. Can print notes pages and outlines for student use. Can help students use multimedia with projects.
Student Assessment	Understands the role of technology in student assessment.	Can use e-class software for student assessment by creating classes, posting assignments, and entering scores.	Can effectively produce both individual and group reports using e-class and can import rosters and export grades.	Can use features of e-class to identify student progress in meeting objectives and keep track of performance. Can use e-class comments to determine student achievement and group learners.

Ethical Use Understanding	Understands the social, ethical, and human issues related to computing and technology such as copyright policy, protection of student privacy, security and safety.	Implements established policies for safe, private, and secure practices in personal work regarding password and other issues. Implements established policies surrounding copyright and plagiarism.	Understands terms of freeware, shareware, and commercial software fees. Understands and adheres to the Computer Use Agreement for the school. Understands the role of technology in education.	Am aware of data privacy issues in the workplace and can explain student computer use as it relates to the Computer Use Agreement. Can offer suggestions to students and parents on technological security issues.
Internet/Network Basics and the World Wide Web	Understands the role of the Internet in education today. Can launch a browser and use the toolbar, specify an Internet address and can navigate in a web site.	Can identify uses of the network for value to the classroom. Can change window sizes, view history, access help, and explain basic Internet terminology.	Can explain the anatomy of a URL, set a home page, use refresh, copy/paste and save from web pages, and download files.	Can use the network and Internet with functionality to access and communicate information. Maintains and organizes bookmarks/favorites for classroom use.
E-Mail and Electronic Mailing Lists	Has an established e-mail account and uses it to correspond with peers.	Understands the concept of e-mail and can use it to read, file, send and delete messages and attachments.	Can maintain an address book, and participate in electronic mailing lists and understands the professional use of them.	Can send group mailings and use activities that require e-mail in teaching and corresponds with parents, system officials, and students. Understands chat, newsgroups, and threaded discussions and participates in at least one of them for educational benefit.
Search Tools	Has knowledge of the benefit of search engines and their benefit to the classroom. Can identify two useful search engines for classroom use.	Explains the differences between search engines, indexes, and metasearch tools. Conducts natural language searches.	Understands Boolean logic and its use in search engines. Can utilize more than one search engine for queried results. Can write a bibliographic citation for	Uses advanced search features in work. Conducts multiple search strategies to locate and validate information. Assists students in information inquiry through search engine strategies.
Netiquette, On-Line Ethics, Current Issues in Technology Education	Is aware of Wilson County’s Computer Use Policy and relays that policy to students to establish on-line safety and security.	Understands rules students and teachers should adhere to when using Internet or e-mail. Seeks out professional development articles on Technology in Education for benefit in teaching.	Can identify print and on-line resources that speak to issues regarding on-line netiquette, site blocking software, legal issues, data privacy and security.	Implements procedures and management techniques concerning Internet use in the classroom. Contributes to technology in education issues through contribution in technology in-service programs.