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Computer Literacy Skills Checklist Kids 

Computer Mastery

Computer Mastery requires the fluent use of the computer in the areas of Applied Technology, Databases, Desktop Publishing, Graphics, Multimedia, Operating Environments, Programming, Spreadsheets, Telecommunications and Wordprocessing to communicate, to solve problems and to express oneself creatively. Skills are integrated into various subjects and applied confidently without outside assistance, transferring easily from one software program to another.

Applied Technology

Combines skills from a variety of technology areas to produce items such as simulation models, games, reports and inventions. Evaluates current technology, assessing its effectiveness and limitation. Combines this evaluation with a mastery of technology skills to generate improvements and to conceptualize new designs. Devises new uses of computer technology to improve everyday life.

Databases

Creates complex relational databases using advanced formatting and editing features. Links data to outside wordprocessing and spreadsheet documents. Performs sophisticated sorts and queries to generate reports. Accesses other databases, and imports and manipulates information as needed.

Desktop Publishing

Creates professional newsletters, brochures, posters and magazines which suit a variety of purposes and audiences. Imports graphics, text and design elements as required. Combines aesthetics with a sophisticated understanding of the technical capabilities of publishing software.

Graphics

Creates powerful visual images with an array of computer graphics tools, moving freely from paper to digital media. Uses features such as 3-D modeling, morphing and other special effects. Maximizes the use of technology and understands how technical specifications affect performance.

Multimedia

Digitizes text, illustrations, photos, sound, animation, speech and video from multiple sources and platforms. Synthesizes technology and aesthetic elements into a powerful multimedia presentation that conveys mood, transmits knowledge and entertains.

Operating Environments

Explores the history and evolution of the computer. Sets up and configures peripherals, maximizing their performance. Possesses a fundamental knowledge of microchips, data storage, input/output devices, networks and printers. Troubleshoots computer and peripherals. Comfortable with emerging technology.

Programming

Identifies the most efficient steps required to achieve a goal and translates the procedure into programming language. Explores a variety of command and visual programming languages. Designs, builds and programs a variety of robots, vehicles and machines.

Spreadsheets

Faced with raw information, designs worksheets, links charts to other documents and forecasts numerical trends using complex functions and formulas. Displays the data in the most effective way using templates, charts and graphs. Can readily adapt a variety of spreadsheet applications from different programs.

Telecommunications

Applies telecommunication skills to converse with other people worldwide, to solve problems and to pursue information from libraries, BBSs and other global services. Writes scripts using navigational software and understands how networks are configured, the function of system operators and technical terms such as: data packets, modulation and handshakes.

Wordprocessing

Uses wordprocessing programs to compose a variety of sophisticated documents. Imports tables, charts and graphics. Uses tools to check grammar and spelling. Adds headers, footers, dates, page numbers and other features to create a polished product. Demonstrates an awareness of the flexibility and limitations of various programs. Able to transfer and to apply acquired skills to more complex wordprocessing environments.

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By Barbara Serwin, Knowhat? Inc.

Kids ages three to eight (along with your parents) can use this checklist as a guideline for computer literacy skills. Remember that each of you will learn and develop at your pace, so there are no hard and fast rules. The main point is to challenge yourself to develop these fundamental skills. you'll be glad you did!

Three year Olds

• Talk and sing along with characters in a program

• Point and click with the mouse

• Explore an environment and discover hot spots

• Respond to simple format questions like "yes" or "no" in an activity

• Use the mouse and cursor to add stamps while using creativity software

• Remember places in a program that you like and ask to return there

• Answer a question: "What did you see in the software you were using?"

Four Year Olds

• Start a program from the computer desktop

• Find your way through a simple program

• Click and drag on objects and move them around the screen

• Play a variety of readiness and concept building activities to learn, for example, letters, numbers and shapes

• Fill in color using a paint program

• Place a CD in the CD-ROM drive

• Answer a question: "How did you solve that problem?"

Five Year Olds

• Start up the computer

• Use sign-in options, like typing in your name

• Play scavenger hunt and mystery style games that require problem-solving and memory skills

• make cards, letter or invitations using creativity software

• use the print function

• Exit a program

• Answer a question: "What happened in the story?"

Six Year Olds

• Try using different parts of the keyboard, for example, the backspace keys, arrow keys, escape key and the space bar

• Play activities that develop reading, math, science and other subject skills

• Make an illustrated story with a word processor or creativity program

• Personalize your own desktop, for example, with background patterns and a greeting

• Play a game that requires turn-taking with a friend

• Save a document to the hard drive

• Explore a CD-ROM encyclopedia

Seven Year Olds

• E-mail a greeting to relative (with your parent's supervision!)

• Use a search engine to look up a science term or an historical figure (again, with your parent's supervision!)

• List three Internet safety rules

• Play a game that requires solving math or logic puzzles

• Scan a photograph into your computer

• keep a computer journal and illustrate it with pictures and photographs

• Help your mom or dad clean all of your CD's

Eight Year Olds

• Practice key stroking right hand placement words (mill, hike, jog, hope) and left hand (dad, fed, cage, bag)

• Use a pull down menu in your word processing program to change fonts, type sizes and styles

• Use the computer and the Internet (along with books and other sources) to research and write a school report

• Use a calculator in your desk accessories to solve a math problem

• Learn to use a digital camera

• Play with a simulation program to build your own city, farm or other neat place

• Set up a laptop computer: plug in the power, plug in the printer, connect the telephone line or modem and start the machine