NC Computer Skills DPI Website
Curriculum by Strand
Online Study Guide
*Downloadable Study Guide (PDF file) ...(((Spanish version)
Test Simulation Movie
**Student Page with Activities & Sample Multiple Choice Tests**Understanding the
NC Online Test of Computer Skills
(formerly known as the 8th Grade Computer Competency Test)The NC Test of Computer Skills is administered in the 8th grade to all North Carolina students. As a graduation requirement, it is given in high school for students who do not pass in the eighth grade.
During the 2005-2006 school year, the state test transitioned from a multiple choice paper test, combined with a performance test that used the school's office suite software, to a single, internet-based test. This new online test consists of 72 items split into four sections with 18 items each. The thirty-six multiple choice questions test a comprehensive understanding of computer vocabulary, along with a good understanding of computer ethics, which includes copyright issues and using copyrighted materials under the fair use doctrine. The performance questions are delivered through the NCDesk Integrated Java Applications Suite, which includes a text editor/word processing simulation, a database simulation, a spreadsheet simulation, a simulated e-mail composer, and a windows management simulation. You may download "NCDesk." Go to the NCDesk website: http://cuacs8.mck.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/ for additional information. NCDesk comes installed with an embedded test simulation. This Test Simulation is an abbreviated functional demonstration of how the test interface works. The Test Simulation does not require that the computer use any network resources to function. However, users must install the NCDesk application in order to access the Test Simulation. (Please note that NCDesk requires a specific version of Java and is sometimes difficult to make functional unless the home user has computer expertise.)
The multiple choice questions assess students’ knowledge of:
- Societal/Ethical Issues
- Database Management
- Spreadsheets
- Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desktop Publishing
- Multimedia/Presentation
- Telecommunications (e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion forums) and the Internet
Performance Activities on Test will Include the Following Skills:
- Word Processing/Text Editing/Desktop Publishing
- Ability to change existing format
- Double space to single space, or single space to double space or 1.5 spacing.
- Boldface, italicize, or underline specific text.
- Change the alignment of text using appropriate icon or command - left align, right align, center text, or fully justified.
- Insert an image from clip art.
- Proofread/edit
- Delete text, move text, copy and paste, cut and paste, and insert text.
- Use spell check command and make appropriate decision
- Spreadsheets – using an existing spreadsheet, students
- Manipulate data to answer “what if”/”what is” questions
- Write standard formulas using operators (+. -. /, *).
- Use functions (shortcut formulas) such as autosum, sum, average, maximum, and minimum.
- Label and input data in a new column
- Evaluate the existing spreadsheet for the MOST appropriate chart;
- Create simple charts based on specific instructions of information to be charted. (Choose appropriate chart based on information needed.
- Database Management
- Students extensively filter and sort a large database.
- Students must be able to identify which function is appropriate based on the wording of the question.
- Students must be able to create double and triple filters and sorts.
- Students must be able to add a new field and add data to that field, and edit information and field types in existing fields.
- Telecommunications
- Properly format an e-mail document
- Attach a file to an e-mail document
- Windows Management
- Cut, copy, and paste
- Maximize and minimize windows
Additional information may be located at the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) website:
- Undo the last action
- Open additional windows
- Work between two or more windows.
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/
Assessment Brief, North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills
...November 18, 2005 • Vol. 10, No. 1 (pdf file)
...August 14, 2006 • Vol. 11, No.1 (pdf file)Sample Multiple-Choice Tests and Review Activities:
- Comprehensive Practice Test from Wayne County Public Schools.
- Computer Ethics Quiz from Crews Middle School.
- Great classroom review activity from Catawba County:
- Review questions document #1 with answer key: http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/worksheets/ComputerSkillsReviewQuestions.doc
- Review questions document #2 with answer key:
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/worksheets/ComputerSkillsReview2.docDownloadable Practice files - Many thanks to Catawba County Schools: http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/newtest.htm
Detailed help documents:
© Wake
County Public School System
Send Comments to: Diane
Walters
Page
created: November 15, 2004
Last updated:
October 3, 2008
