Northstar Revisions Project

September 23, 2024

Background

Northstar Digital Literacy Standards were first developed to support learners building digital literacy skills on desktop or laptop devices. Of course, for most topics, these actions can also also be performed on a mobile device. Over the last decade, mobile device use has grown to such an extent that for most of today’s learners, mobile devices have become an entry-level tool, or starting point, for developing digital literacy. In fact, today 90% of Americans own a smartphone, a significant increase from the 35% who reported ownership in 2011. Smartphone dependency is also on the rise, with 15% of US adults relying entirely on their smartphones for internet access (Pew Research Center, 2024).

Feedback from our sites aligns with these trends; we are seeing an increased number of learners accessing Northstar assessments from their smartphones. However, Northstar’s assessments and online learning modules (NSOL) were not originally developed for mobile use.

The goal of this project was to revise Northstar Assessments and NSOL Modules for the Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics and Using Email topics. Revisions were made to:

• Incorporate feedback from site partners, users, and performance data for an improved product.
• Update Northstar Assessments and NSOL Modules for the Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics and Using Email topics for mobile compatibility and improved accessibility.
• Maintain or improve the validity and reliability of our assessments across devices.

This connects to Northstar’s instructional goals to:

• Develop Digital Literacy: Connecting learners to transformative opportunities to build digital literacy through their mastery of Northstar Standards.
• Build Digital Resilience: Updating Northstar for mobile device compatibility to increase access and opportunities for digital resilience and skill building through a platform that most learners have access to and are familiar with: smartphones. Digital Resilience is the ability to transfer skills learned on one device to another in order to perform specific digital tasks with confidence. Learners with high digital resilience may feel empowered, rather than fearful, when asked to perform a familiar task on an unfamiliar device. We recognize that learners' initial capacity for digital literacy is often built on smartphones, and we want to be responsive to that.
• Commitment to Digital Equity: Supporting all individuals to have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in society, democracy and the economy. Maintain the voice of Northstar assessments for intermediate-level English learners and beginning digital learners and increase accessibility for individuals accessing Northstar using screen readers.

What skills are supported in the Internet Basics Assessment?

The Internet Basics standards, curriculum, NSOL module, and assessment aim to support and assess learners’ skills in beginning level understanding of how to navigate the internet in order to successfully perform an internet search, use browser tools, protect personal internet privacy, and differentiate between safe websites and those with possible malware or viruses. The standards provide an introduction to basic internet skills and primarily focus on supporting learners to build skills that are transferable to all internet capable devices to build digital resilience and confidence in navigating a new device they have not encountered before. Northstar recognizes that learners' initial internet skills are often built on smartphones, and we want to be responsive to that. For this reason, the Northstar assessment features screen images from multiple devices including smartphone and computer browsers.

What skills are supported in the Basic Computer Skills Assessment?

The Basic Computer Skills standards, curriculum, NSOL module, and assessment aim to support and assess learners’ skills in navigating devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. The standards emphasize desktop and laptop computers. Furthermore, the standards provide guidance on how to use common device features, troubleshoot basic computer challenges, and practice beginning mouse skills and keyboarding skills. The standards provide an introduction to basic device use and primarily focus on supporting learners to build skills that are transferable to all devices to build digital resilience and confidence in navigating a new device they have not encountered before.

What skills are supported in the Using Email Assessment?

The Using Email standards, curriculum, NSOL module, and assessment are designed to support and assess learners’ skills in effective email communication and use. The standards focus on key aspects of using email, including understanding basic email functions and recognizing common email providers. They provide guidance on registering for a new email account, logging in, creating and sending messages, as well as managing attachments. Furthermore, the standards emphasize email management techniques, such as deleting messages, identifying spam, and unsubscribing from unwanted mailing lists. Importantly, the standards promote safety awareness, encouraging learners to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar emails and to safeguard their personal information. Overall, these standards aim to build learners' confidence and competence in navigating email communication effectively, regardless of the email client or device they are using.

When can I expect the release of the revised assessments and NSOL modules for the Internet Basics, Basic Computer Skills, and Using Email topics?

Northstar will release the first revised assessment, Internet Basics, on Tuesday, October 1. We will be releasing the rest of the revised assessments and NSOL modules for the three topics by January 2025. Sites will be informed through a newsletter announcement prior to release of each revision.

We welcome questions and feedback please email us at support@digitalltearcyassessment.org