Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) Program

Overview of Certiport Established in 1997 Exclusive worldwide administrator of the Microsoft Office Specialist and IC³ certification programs Use concurrent and simulation technologies Certiport is the leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services designed to enable individual success and lifetime advancement through certification

Overview of Certiport (cont.) Worldwide Statistics –Over 4.2 million validated exams delivered –Over 2 million certifications issued –The Microsoft Office Specialist program is the fastest growing computer certification –10,000+ testing centers –40,000 exams monthly –18 languages –114 countries –47 Courseware publishers

Computing Literacy Computer skills are integral to all areas of study and work Ability to use a computer is on par with reading and writing skills Exposure does not translate to understanding

Need for Universal Standards Schools must be accountable Many states, districts, schools, and organizations create own standards and measurement processes Constituents demand verifiable results Standards must be easily adopted and implemented Standards must be Current and Relevant

What is IC³? Internet and Computing Core Certification –Global standard measurement of computing literacy Set of three exams: –Computing Fundamentals –Key Applications –Living Online

Step 1 –Benchmark - Internet and Computing Benchmark Step 2 –Learn –Approved IC³ courseware Step 3 –Remediation and Practice – Internet and Computing Mentor Step 4 –Validate - IC³ Certification IC³ Certification Pathway

Internet and Computing Benchmark Enables teachers to determine student’s digital literacy level and computing skills Matches the IC³ objectives one for one Domain and sub-domain level reporting Student placement

Internet and Computing Mentor Guides training and remediation through “mentor” tool 3 levels of assist Customized study guides Skill level reporting Data driven curriculum planning Address specific skill gaps

Why Certify? Advance in education and career Increase productivity Stand out from the competition Validation of skills Portable proof of skills “Certification creates a workforce capable of delivering higher service levels” –Prometric Study

IC³ Testing Methods IC³ utilizes the following testing methods –Knowledge-based testing Multiple choice Multiple answer Matching True and False –Performance-based testing Perform tasks in the computing environment Simulation of operating systems and applications Multiple correct response possibilities

IC³ Computing Fundamentals Basic understanding of computer hardware Basic understanding of computer software Using a computer operating system to perform everyday tasks

IC³ Computing Fundamentals

IC³ Key Applications Common features of Microsoft Windows applications Specific skills for operating a word processor program Specific skills for operating a spreadsheet program Specific skills for operating a presentation program

IC³ Key Applications

IC³ Living Online Basic understanding of how computers connect to networks and the Internet Specific skills for operating an electronic mail program Specific skills for operating a Web browser program Social impact of computing and the Internet

IC³ Living Online

IC³ Candidate Survey Results 82% agree/strongly agree that IC³ effectively measures computing and Internet knowledge and skills 73% indicated intention to pursue Microsoft Office Specialist –35% intend to pursue A+ 89% would recommend IC³ to a friend –Many open-ended comments on incorporating it into academic environment

Developing the Standard Research and define criteria –Establish clear objectives through needs assessments Utilize experts worldwide –Global Digital Literacy Council –Establish participating subject matter experts (SMEs) –Communicate objectives and potential content –Receive and review SME feedback –Core group: over 400 SMEs in 20 countries Develop set of exams –Accepted standards of test development –Utilize leading exam methodology –Psychometric oversight and evaluation

Developing the Standard (cont.) Validate through beta –Refine questions and question sets through beta process –60 participating testing centers –Over 2,000 exams delivered Global data management –Continuous worldwide analysis on question responses Continuous standard analysis –Bi-annual reviews to maintain the standard –2005 standard now available

Academic and Industry Research Computer Literacy, Digital Literacy, Internet Literacy, Foundations for Information Technology (FITness) Survey of commercial and academic training programs Input from Global Digital Literacy Council Sample Result: A study of the latest methodologies for computer education revealed that most current thinking in these areas stress not just technical skill, but the ability to understand and interpret information gathered from online sources.

Global Digital Literacy Council American Council on Education ACT Boston University Certiport CompTIA E-Skills UK International Society for Technology Education Learning Skills & Council Manpower NWCET OCR Utah State Office of Education

Value to Academic Institutions Provides objective, quantifiable evaluation of student performance Ensures consistency of results from school to school Improves appropriate student course placement Provides accountability measurement Provides teacher development and growth opportunities First step to technology integration in the classroom

IC³ Spotlight “Computer and Internet skills are no longer optional for success on the job. Our objective is to help close the digital skills gap for an important segment of our population that needs a helping hand. With these validated skills, new avenues for higher paying jobs will open up for program graduates and Cleveland will benefit by building a stronger online community of tech savvy residents.” Mayor Jane L. Campbell, City of Cleveland City of Cleveland

Training Materials Courseware partners create training materials worldwide Various training material options available –Text books –Computer-based (CBT) –Instructor-led –Online learning Look for the Authorized Courseware & Assessment logo

IC³ Authorized Instructor Program Special opportunity for instructors Simple process –Become IC³ certified –Complete online application –Submit teaching credentials Many program benefits –IC³ Authorized Instructor title –Letter of recognition to supervisor –Unique certificate –Access to content outlines –Training opportunities –Courseware review opportunities –And more…

Global Recognition

ISTE Partnership IC 3 as the ISTE Candidate Readiness Benchmark Assessment Integration of IC 3 into teacher education programs at schools of education Use of IC 3 for PT3 and E2T2 teacher Professional Development (PD) and student programs ISTE participation in IC 3 standard update for 2004 (Don Knezek and Helen Barrett)

American Council on Education ACE is the leading national accreditation body for higher education in the United States IC³ has obtained a credit recommendation for credit towards college education Students can receive college credit through participating colleges affiliated with ACE –More than 1,800 accredited, degree-granting colleges, universities, and other education-related organizations are members of ACE

Certiport Exam Delivery System 1.Candidates take exam in proctored environment –Any computer lab can be a testing center 2.Candidates receive printed score results 3.Results are uploaded to global candidate database 4.Certiport delivers certificate to passing candidates 5.Candidates can view their online Digital Transcripts

Digital Transcript Service Secure, authenticated website Candidates can view exam and certification results online at any time Instantaneous results Access can be granted for educators, employers, and staffing agencies to verify candidate results

Sample Digital Transcript

Enhance Programs with Certification Test Out options Course placement Final course exams Teacher professional development Community workforce development

Questions and Answers