Assessing computer proficiency

Summary form only given. In 1995, the College of Humanities and Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) reconsidered its general education requirements. One concern was that students should be proficient in the use of computers as a tool to support their education. The following skills were identified: basic use of the computer; word processing; retrieval of information from the WWW; accessing the VCU library online catalog; and using e-mail. Obviously these skills can be learned in a wide variety of ways. Thus the emphasis was placed on assessment. This paper describes how it was decided that all students should demonstrate their knowledge by completing a Computer Proficiency Exam.