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Journal of Modern Mechanical Engineering and Technology

Articles

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2015)

Assessment Tests for Digital Skills: A Tool for Learning Outcomes and University Accreditation

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-9848.2015.02.01.1
Submitted
August 13, 2015
Published
2021-11-24

Abstract

An important question asked by academicians is whether students use Internet languages constructively to further themselves in their chosen field of study while in college, or merely use them for social networking and entertainment.

The iSkills Test is a possible tool for assessment of students’ skills in using digital technology on the Internet. This paper seeks to investigate the test’s usefulness in helping to answer the question stated above and in the process, add positively to the reaffirmation of accredited universities where these students are enrolled.

An original method has been shown to allow instructors/coaches and institutions to assess the effectiveness of their programs through the use of this test, even though the grading scheme has been changed between the initial and final assessment tests (in one term). The grading code of the iCritical Thinking Certification test (now updated as the iSkills test) has been found, at least for the present.

After two years of testing data at the University of Miami, the University has been provided with three major strengths and three major weaknesses of the students. The undergraduate strengths are (1) shopping, (2) following directions, (3) using information ethically. The students’ weaknesses are (1) selecting resources, (2) researching, (3) knowing or understanding what they find. It is apparent that the areas of weaknesses are areas of opportunity for the University to improve their students’ digital skills. Some useful suggestions have been developed to help students improve their critical thinking abilities and thus perform better in the certification test.

The iSkills tests involved organization of information, development of a search strategy, creating a slide, summarize researched information, creating a visual representation and constructing an advanced search. These tasks involved a variety of skill sets and they mimic real world tasks. This test is recommended for the assessment by universities of their students’ improvement in digital skills development while on the Internet, across the disciplines. The tests are used to help convince university accreditation bodies like Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the U.S.A. International acceptance of the test is recommended since the use of the Internet is global, and digital skills development is an undeniably important asset.

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