TheSherwood Technology

Aptitude Test

Dr Richard R. PlantChartered Psychologist, BPS Associate Fellow

http://www.pmetrics.co.uk

Assessing ICT Aptitude & Ability• The CUBICTS Project

– From 2002-2003 we were funded by the DfES in the UK to look at how basic ICT ability was assessed

– By basic ICT skills, we mean the use of simple productivity tools (such as for word-processing or calculation), effective access to electronic information resources (particularly the Web) and use of communication tools (such as email)

– Individuals differ in their ability to acquire these basic skills and, once acquired, in how effectively they are able to apply and extend their expertise

The current position – the big push for skills• Current tests of ICT ability or potential ability focus either on specific knowledge of common

applications (based loosely around dominant software products) or on self report checklists of abilities in understanding or performing relevant tasks. Whilst such tests may measure current skills, neither is likely to be diagnostic of future learning or abilities

Tests from theold school

Skills over substance• New skills can always be learnt more easily by those with more

aptitudeNCS Pearson, Skillcheck

What are the common skills (content analysis)

Fleishmans taxonomy

Ratings questionnaire given to ICT experts

A standard F-JAS Rating Scale Booklet was used as support material for a grid containing the 21 cognitive abilities (rows) by 14 common ICT skills (columns) derived from the content analysis. Experts in ICT then rated the level of each cognitive ability needed by an expert or a novice.

So which cognitive abilities are important?

Web-based validation checks using ETS tests

Results confirmed that the identified cognitive abilities could differentiate between expert and novice ICT users

The Sherwood Technology Aptitude Test

• In the UK there is a pressing need to get people back into training

• To help aid in course selection within the 16-18 year age group

• Career guidance• Selection within companies• Selection by specialist schools (11

years)

What is Assessed?– Usability & Control– Cognitive Abilities– Application Skills

Psychometrically normed test which is predictive of post training success in the field of ICT. Currently being used within Schools and Colleges within the UK.

Measures both Power and Speed and presents them against a choosen norm group for direct compaision.