November 20, 2014
Focus on Quality Teaching and Learning Pays Dividends
Students Score Above International Average in Computer Literacy
Newfoundland and Labrador students scored above the international average, ranking seventh overall, in a recent assessment of students’ understanding and use of information and communication technology. The 2013 International Computer and Information Literacy Study collected data and examined the outcomes of student computer and information literacy across countries. Computer and information literacy refers to an individual's ability to use computers to investigate, create and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace and in the community.
“The study results provide valuable information on where students in this province stand with understanding and using information and communication skills compared to other countries. It also provides valuable information about where our schools are with using technology to enhance teaching and learning. Key investments in teaching and learning resources, technology and educational research will continue through the new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, which was created to ensure children from infancy to high school have the skills they need to succeed.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
The results were released today by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. The study was administered to approximately 65,000 Grade 8 students in 20 countries world-wide. In Canada, only two provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario, participated. In this province, 1,556 students from 118 schools took part in the study.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is very proud to be one of only two provinces in Canada to participate in the International Computer and Information Literacy Study. The results will help the Provincial Government make informed decisions about using technology to enhance teaching and learning. It is very gratifying to see that our government’s commitment to education and early learning resources is producing concrete results that tell us that our students, teachers and schools are well positioned to succeed in the 21st century.”
- Minister Sullivan
The focus of the assessment was on two main areas – students’ ability to collect and manage information and their ability to produce and exchange information. Questionnaires were also administered to teachers and principals asking about computer use, computing resources and other information that might contribute to achievement. Results of this study are used to inform policy-makers and educators on how to better understand the contexts and outcomes of information and communication technology related education programs.
The full report, including assessment results, can be viewed at www.cmec.ca 
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QUICK FACTS
- Newfoundland and Labrador students placed seventh, scoring above the international average, in the 2013 International Computer and Information Literacy Study.
- Only five countries and the Province of Ontario scored significantly higher than Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The results were released today by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. The study was administered to Grade 8 students in 20 countries including 1,556 students from 118 schools in this province.
- The study is the first international assessment of students’ abilities in computer and information literacy.
- Newfoundland and Labrador scored 28 points higher than the international average with girls significantly outperforming boys.
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Media contact:
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Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 728-4104 JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca |
2014 11 20 10:45 a.m.