Peer Review

Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment

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Reviewed:: Jun 2, 2022 by ICT Literacy

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment defines the basic skills needed to use a computer and the internet in daily life, employment, and higher education. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of adults to perform these tasks. Test takers can receive digital badges whenever they pass assessments, and can additionally receive certificates when they pass assessments in a proctored environment at a Northstar testing location. Once you pass Northstar, which certifies basic skills, you may choose to pursue more advanced training and certifications. Assessments are available for three topics: Essential computer skills Essential software skills Using technology in everyday life.

Type of Material:

Reference Material

Recommended Uses:

The Northstar assessments can be used either by learners working independently, or as a resource to support in-class instruction or one-on-one tutoring.

Many of the lesson plans may also be used to promote group projects

Instructors can use as a diagnostic tool and use the results to help personalize training

Technical Requirements:

Works on Windows browsers; must support video

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Assess basic computer and software skills, and the use of technology in daily life

Target Student Population:

High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

basic ICT skills

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The assessment tool is clear and engaging. The tasks are easy to follow and test a good range of skills. This reviewer had seen an earlier version of this website, and it had fallen behind in its software features; now the information is current and the assessment is at a higher level, which is useful. Librarians took the lead in its development. The assessments can be done independently and for several contexts. The assessment provdies feedback as to skills demonstrated and skills to learn. The site also includes video-based training for educators, FAQs, news and announcements, and a newsletter that users can subscribe to. It is also possible to become a tsting locating (which costs). Links work. Sources are attributed.
Concerns:: No concerns noted

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: The learning goals directtly reflect ICT literacy standards. The assessment points out the prerequisite knowledge, and the test questions build upon the prior questions; the reesults is a logical and coherent structure. The test is fast, and the information and process is efficient, as is the feedback. The assessment is easy to write assignments, especially when the results drive the work. Both the assessment and its application are very relevant to academic and daily life.
Concerns:: No concerns noted

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The alyout and features are engaging, visually attractive, well-organized, and professional. The site is easy to navigate independently.
Concerns:: Some of the test doesn't seem ADA-compliant. It is also hard to backtrack so the user might not remember needed information to answer the next question correctly. the only help feature is their email address.

Other Issues and Comments:: The structure of the Northstar digital literacy curriculum is easily adaptable and can be effectively integrated into a unit of study to support a discourse on information manipulation Presentation of material is liner in nature and provides a logical and coherent.
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