Boston Uncornered

A Solution

Boston Uncornered redirects the entrepreneurial, networking and leadership skills of gang involved youth (we call Core Influencers) from violence and incarceration to obtain a college credential and family-sustaining wage—driving positive change in our neighborhoods. With the skills and opportunities to turn away from the “street corners” for good, we empower Core Influencers to use their influence, leadership abilities and networks to shift social norms in the neighborhoods—decreasing crime and increasing educational attainment and employment for all.

Routines

Conduct a Digital Literacy Pre-Assessment with Students

Boston Uncornered, JVS - Bridges to College and Careers, Rian Immigrant Center, Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, X-Cel Education


TAGS: #DigitalLiteracy #Assessment #GoogleForms #BostonUncornered #JVSBoston #RianImmigrantCenter #XCelEducation #SCSD


WHAT | One effective way to understand the digital literacy levels of learners is to conduct a pre-assessment: Once the results are collected, they can be analyzed to identify the areas that require attention. By understanding the learners' needs early on, we can effectively move forward and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Assessments may be administered upon intake using the Northstar Digital Literacy platform (paper or digital), custom-made Google Forms, or other resources that work for the agency.


WHY | As educators, we strive to save learners' time by identifying their specific needs and crafting our edtech routines accordingly: Our goal is to assess and build digital literacy skills for students, providing additional support where needed to help them achieve their education goals and/or transition smoothly to higher education or the workforce. Assessing digital literacy skills can motivate students to improve their academic skills and reduce anxiety and frustration during instruction by empowering students with the knowledge to use digital platforms.


Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:


HOW | Google Forms: During the intake/orientation process, new students are provided information about and access to a pre-assessment to self-assess their digital literacy skills. Students log into the pre-assessment and review the directions with instructors and staff. Students then answer questions that determine their digital literacy and knowledge of the platforms and programs they will use within the program. This may include, but is not limited to: Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Drive, Google Docs, Moodle, Chat (WhatsApp), Canvas, navigating college websites and financial aid websites, and more.

The students are given a time limit to answer the pre-assessment questions. At the end of the allotted time, students will be given an opportunity to review their answers with instructors. Instructors will review the answers as a team and determine which students need additional digital literacy support as they begin their classes. Digital literacy instruction will be integrated across subject areas with a focus on improving technological skills with formative assessments, goal setting, and a final summative assessment.

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):


Using an Online Digital Literacy Assessment to Determine Next Steps Within Course of Study

Boston Uncornered


TAGS: #DigitalLiteracy #Assessment #GoogleForms #BostonUncornered


WHAT | Through an initial screening, support staff will capture support needs as catalysts verbally self-assess their digital literacy skills. Based on their self-assessment, the catalyst will complete an online digital literacy assessment to highlight needs further. Based on the results, support staff will recommend further digital literacy instruction via learning software. 


WHY | To understand if the catalyst needs additional digital literacy training or if they can move forward with the program’s digital curriculum to prep for HiSET attainment. Based on the results of the assessment, the catalyst may require additional training and support or be onboarded onto the program’s digital learning platform.


Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:


HOW | Google Forms: 

1. Upon acceptance into the catalyst role at Uncornered, a support staff member will complete the catalyst support intake needs assessment via a Google Form, asking questions to identify where the needs lie. The catalyst will also be asked to rate their digital literacy level between 0-5, identifying what needs the catalyst has. 

2a. The result of this will determine the next course of action. If the catalyst self-assesses between digital literacy levels 3-5, they then complete the Computer Literacy Assessment form on their own. This form will determine what specific digital literacy knowledge they have around: common computer skills and activities, desktop skills, using forms and media, using touchscreens, and navigating and understanding the internet. All skills will be needed for successful engagement in the EssentialEd system, check-ins with their mentors, navigating completion of forms electronically, systems as well as college curriculum (Zoom, Google Drive, Adobe, financial aid websites, employment sites).

2b. If the results of the self-assessment are 0-2, the catalyst will not be required to complete the Computer Literacy Assessment form and will be assigned lessons at the most basic level. 

3. The results of this assessment will dictate what lessons in the EssentialEd Computing Fundamentals curriculum the support team will assign. 

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):