1. Live, Learn, and Lead in the Digital Realm:
Goals for Fluency in Information Technology at Simmons
Technology in Education Task Force
College of Arts and Sciences, Simmons College
Intellectual Concepts Skills
Capabilities
Personal: Media literacy (how presentation Use technology to gather information relevant to a topic
Use technology in a shapes perception) (identify appropriate sources, construct queries)
thoughtful, proficient, and self- The difference between data and Evaluate the veracity and presumed bias of information
confident manner information retrieved online
Research (testing theories, Evaluate systems for connecting to the Internet and select a
Evaluate, procure, install, and grounding assertions in evidence) method of connection appropriate for the context
configure technology Basic hardware and software Use strategies to protect yourself from identity theft and
concepts malware (virus infection, etc.)
Use technology to evaluate and Basic computer network concepts Plan and carry out systematic backups of your files
interpret text, numbers and Issues of privacy and security in the Make wise hardware purchases and select software that meets
images digital world your system specs
Know how to set up a computer, install new software,
Think critically, solve
upgrade existing software and use manuals to learn software
problems, and test solutions
Know how to seek tech support and help beyond that
(with and about technology)
provided in manuals (providing a coherent information about
the issue you need to resolve)
Troubleshoot technology
Set up meaningful (and scalable) file and directory structures
on a computer – and be able to find and retrieve files on a
Think about information
machine.
technology abstractly
Use of basic operating system features
Understand the value of Use computers for online transactions
keeping current on Evaluate, select, and use the proper technology for a given
technological developments task
Use technology to analyze and interpret data (quantitative and
qualitative)
Use technology to generate and test out ideas, solve
problems, and pursue deeper understanding of a topic

2. Intellectual Concepts Skills
Capabilities
Interpersonal: Construction and manipulation of Know how to name and save files so that other users can
Communicate and collaborate identity (self and other) open and read them
effectively using technology in Linear vs. non-linear organization Use the following creatively and appropriately for
many different settings of information (e.g., printed article interpersonal communication:
vs. web site with links)  word processing software
Recognize and accurately Synchronous vs. asynchronous  presentation/graphics software
interpret the style, voice, and communication (e.g., phone and  email/listserv/chat/discussion board
perspective of others in digital chat vs. email)  the Web
contexts Distributed vs. centralized Know how to engage in computer-mediated group
information sources (e.g., discussions to generate deepened insight and understanding
Make astute decisions multimedia web page vs. Word file
regarding style, voice, and with images)
perspective when Etiquette and ethics
communicating in digital File types and data representation
contexts
Platforms (e.g., Mac, Windows,
Palm OS)
Professional: Workplace ethics, etiquette Know how to distinguish between informal and professional
Communicate effectively in Legal concepts, including security conventions of communication, and make appropriate choices
the workplace using and privacy Be familiar with technological tools and resources relevant to
technology Version control (drafts) the profession (hardware, software, research databases)
Audience, users Know which applications are used to view and edit file types
Understand the role and Data integrity, including procedures relevant to the profession (e.g., .doc, .rtf, .jpg, .gif, .ppt, .xls)
function of information and for preserving the integrity of data Use technology to represent quantitative and qualitative data
technology in the workplace across an organization in an informative manner
Modeling and visualization Collaborate (at a distance) on the co-authoring of documents
Use technology to solve Algorithms and co-development of projects
problems in the workplace Use the following appropriately in professional settings:
 word processing software
Use technology responsibly in  presentation/graphics software
the workplace  email/listserv/chat/discussion board
 spreadsheets
Work collaboratively across  databases
geographic distances  the Web
Communicate effectively with IT and tech support
Think in terms of systems
infrastructure in the workplace

3. Intellectual Concepts Skills
Capabilities
Societal: Copyright, plagiarism, intellectual Obey appropriate copyright and intellectual property laws
Keep current on technological property, software licensing  Read and comprehend the terms of software licenses
developments Fairness, security, and privacy  Follow acceptable use policies
Globalization and the digital divide Read and comprehend technology related current events as
Evaluate and assess emerging Artificial intelligence they relate to society
technological developments Databases and data mining Evaluate and select methods for lifelong learning that are
(e.g., feasibility, social impact, technology appropriate to the need and context (e.g., face-to-face,
ethical ramifications, legal Digital manipulation of media distance learning courses, online tutorials, listserv
implications, etc.) discussions)
Open vs. proprietary software
Acceptable use policies
Understand and evaluate the
Impact of technology on
opportunities, threats,
consumerism
limitations, and impact
associated with emerging Political power and political
technologies systems in a digital age
Persistent change and lifelong
When deemed appropriate, be learning
prepared to serve as an The role of gender in technology
advocate for change in Women as inventors of technology,
relationship to technology leaders in the business of
(e.g., inclusion, legal and technology, and technology related
ethical reform) policy makers
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