| Ladder Rungs | Attitude | Skill Level | Concept Grasp | IT Literacy Level
| Performance Level |
|---|
|
Novice |
Somewhat computer phobic; uncomfortable working with
technology without continuous assistance; lacks confidence as a problem solver |
Reasonable reading and typing skills, but could not
set up a computer or connect it to a network. Can
use email with help. |
General awareness of importance of technology in
society, but little specific knowledge of computers or
how to use them for modeling or information access. |
not good at information retrieval or evaluation. |
Difficulty following technical explanations.
|
|---|
|
Capable |
Comfortable using technology, but not interested in
moving out of the comfort zone. |
Can use email, word processing, simple web access,
library catalog. |
Understand the societal impact of technology, basically
how computers work and how they can be networked
together; not comfortable with technology jargon or
modeling. |
Comfortable with navigating information
structures, but not alert to faulty information. |
Engages in guided discovery using technology.
|
|---|
|
Competent |
Willing to collaborate with others in using technology
to model problem situations and to learn new ways that
technology can enhance the quality of life. |
Can use application software which has a good user
interface (e.g. presentation software); can develop web pages and use graphics
packages to create web illustrations as long as no
programming is involved. |
Know how the internet works, how information is stored
and retrieved, limitations on IT. |
Can evaluate information found on the web and use
it in research and problem solving; is information
literate as described by the Association of College Research Libraries (ACRL).
| Can pose and answer research questions.
|
|---|
|
Fluent |
Possesses a "Can Do" attitude; confident in ability to
use technology to solve problems. |
Wide range of software package skills: spreadsheets,
databases; can use operating
system features; can hook a computer to a network. |
understands the idea of an algorithm and how programs are constructed
and do their work, and the universality of technology. |
Is fluent as defined by the National Research Council (NRC) |
Can think abstractly about technology.
|
|---|
|
Expert |
Continuously strives to learn more about
technology; willing to mentor others to bring them to
a higher level of competence. |
high communication skills; able to learn to use a
new piece of software without help; knows how to write
programs in at least one language. |
Understands the underpinnings of networking,
object-oriented programming, system development. |
Can modify applications to meet changing
requirements; totally in control of technology. |
Sought out by others for problem solving
abilities.
|
|---|