Abstract

This paper reports on an initial effort to assess student learning with respect to effective use of information and communication technology. A business school in a small public university administered the iSkills assessment from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 2008. This online web service simulates websites, web searches, databases, and office productivity software to present realistic scenarios. iSkills evaluates seven skill areas (define, access, evaluate, manage, integrate, create, and communicate). Upper division student median performance on the Advanced Level test was generally above the median level of the reference group with strengths in the Define and Integrate proficiencies and weaknesses in the Manage and Create proficiencies. Lower division student median performance on the Advanced Level test was generally below the median with strengths in the Access and the Integrate proficiencies and weaknesses in the Manage, Define, and Communicate proficiencies. Lower division student median performance on the Core Level test was generally below the median with strengths in the Access and Integrate proficiencies and weaknesses in the Evaluate and Communicate proficiencies. While the upper division students performed adequately, there remains room for improvement. The lower division student performance will provide a benchmark to measure the impact of planned curriculum changes.

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