ICT literacy on the decline

ICT literacy in primary and secondary students is on the decline, according to the 2014 National Assessment Program (NAP) – information and communication technology (ICT) literacy report released by the Education Council.

The NAP – ICT literacy test assesses students’ ICT knowledge, understanding and skills, as well as their ability to use ICT creatively, critically and responsibly.

In October and November last year, around 10,500 Year 6 and Year 10 students participated in an online test* and results from the report showed a significant decline in the mean performance of these age groups compared to previous years.

Year 6 students were asked to search a website to find appropriate material, format a document, crop an image and create a short slide show, while Year 10 students were asked to design an online survey, use software to add two new levels to an online game and create a short animated video.

The report also showed that in each year level, there has been a reduction in the percentage of students meeting the NAP – ICT literacy proficient standards.

Robert Randall, CEO for the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), said the proficiency standards are challenging but reasonable and attainable for these age groups.

“The decline in performance is of concern, and there is a need for a renewed focus on the teaching of digital technologies in schools,” said Randall.

“Schools now have access to the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies, which covers the core aspects of ICT literacy that are vital for students to engage in a world dependent on these technologies for future employment and social interaction.

“We cannot expect students to reach the proficiency standard represented by the NAP – ICT literacy assessment on their own, through a personal use of technology.”

From 2017, education ministers have determined that the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will start to move online.

ACARA said that the familiarity that students have with technology, as observed in the survey results taken after the conclusion of the literacy test, confirms the viability of the move to NAPLAN online.

For more information, go to the NAP website.

*Samples of students were randomly selected from over 650 government, Catholic and independent schools in metropolitan, rural and remote areas around the country to compile the report.

Image courtesy of woodleywonderworks under CC

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