From Deseret News archives:
Computer literacy test a passport to success
By 2006, all Utah graduating students will have to certify
It worked. At the conclusion of her elective Microsoft skills course, all 40 of Covington's students were certified by taking a standardized computer literacy exam.
Covington, a Murray High School teacher, is part of a statewide program to require standard levels of computer certification for Utah students. By forming a partnership with Certiport, an American Fork-based business, the Utah State Office of Education is making efforts to bring students up to global computer standards.
"We asked ourselves, what does computer literacy mean?" said Russell Klein, business education specialist for Utah State Office of Education. "We wanted to create a course that met everyone's needs on every level; the public education level, higher education level and in the industry."
So the state education office turned to Certiport, a corporation that specializes in administering standardized tests to evaluate computer skills across the world.
The tests evaluate Internet proficiency and Microsoft office programs skills relating to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and Microsoft Project.
Saedi said one benefit of the certification is a "global portability" that comes with computer knowledge. If a student is certified, the standard of skill knowledge will be recognized by employers in the United States, as well as countries around the world.
"The proof is in the pudding," Saedi said.
Jennifer DiGrande, professional programs manager for Robert Half International Inc., said their clients have reported that certified employees have higher wages, higher rates of hire and an increase in speed with project completion.
Utah education officials have no intention of being left behind in this technological race.
"We hope to be the first to cross the line," said Duke Mossman, education specialist in information technology at the state education office.
Beginning with the graduating class of 2006, all students in Utah will be required to earn computer literacy certification as part of their necessary curriculum. Students have the option of testing out of curriculum classes by taking the Internet and Computing Core Certification exam offered by Certiport.
If students pass the IC3 exam, they will automatically be certified.
E-mail: achoate@desnews.com
Comments
- Mom pleads in child beating 4:26 p.m.
- Pavel Haas Quartet eloquent 4:22 p.m.
- 'Evenings at the Museum' Friday 4:22 p.m.
- Man has car stolen, gets stabbed 4:21 p.m.
- Police: Child porn virus 'old story' 4:21 p.m.
- Release dying dog from senior work 4:20 p.m.
- Venom is potential medicine 4:20 p.m.
- Art of medicine can require delays 4:20 p.m.
- NFL suspends Eagles CB Hanson 4:02 p.m.
- BSU selling share in Bronco sports 4:00 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- House passes health care bill
274 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
210 - TCU showdown has big implications
189 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
108 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
97
This week, I'm compiling my annual list of restaurants serving...
that the military, who trains soldiers to kill, can't execute one of their...
Why not N.C.? Got some of the best pork BBQ in the country out there with...
Anon. 12:47 is wrong to try to polarize Americans based on this one incident....
when you want to de-stabilize a society in order to take it over, you must...
It is erroneous to refer to people who choose to practice homosexuality as...
I guess most of the people on this page don't know anybody from grade school...
Boy, oh boy are we lucky to have Alex Hart coming up north. Almost 9 records,...
Yes, yes they do stop you at the hospital door in many states if the person...
Looks like we should have been the ones signing Earl Boynkins to a short-term...
His actions are clearly pre-meditated murder--multiple murders. And as an...


You can be the first to comment on this story.