Computer Literacy
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University of Phoenix
Computer Literacy Test
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Drawing prize winner!

There is only one correct answer for each test item. Answers are at the end of the test

1) If the power suddenly goes out while writing a letter with a word processing program
__ a) everything in memory (RAM) will be erased;
__ b) the letter will definitely not be lost;
__ c) the word processing program will be lost;
__ d) files may be lost.

2) Adding more memory (RAM) to a computer system
__ a) will increase the computer's processing speed;
__ b) provides more room for files.
__ c) allows more programs to be loaded;
__ d) reduces the possibility of malfunctions.

3) Two computers are compatible if they
__ a) can use the same data;
__ b) have the same speed (megahertz);
__ c) have about the same storage capacity;
__ d) can use the same programs.

4) A hard or floppy disk drive functions most like a
__ a) record player;
__ b) tape recorder;
__ c) wastepaper basket;
__ d) filter.

5) What is generally on a non-blank CD?
__ a) music;
__ b) data;
__ c) programs;
__ d) files.

6) The Internet is a specific example of
__ a) a large multi-user program;
__ b) a computer network;
__ c) wireless communication;
__ d) file storage.

7) A file name extension such as .doc or .xls
__ a) affects the contents of the file;
__ b) does not necessarily indicate the file type;
__ c) must never be changed;
__ d) always indicates the file type.

8) An e-mail "attachment"
__ a) is a file;
__ b) must be compatible with both computers;
__ c) cannot represent a program;
__ d) cannot represent a picture.

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for test answers.

Computer Literacy USA director Bill Stewart was invited to the Houston campus of the University of Phoenix during the annual Student Appreciation Week in October 2002 to conduct a combination survey and test of UP students. The voluntary test was made up of eight questions from the CL-USA computer literacy test and used to gauge the students' level of computer literacy (as measured by CL-USA standards). The survey was used to get an idea of students' perceptions of themselves and their abilities. The results were quite dramatic.

Each student who participated was put into a drawing for a wireless mouse and keyboard system donated by CL-USA partner George Lillard, owner of Discovery Systems, a computer sales, consulting and web development company. The drawing took place November 14 and the winner was Yvonna Smith.

The University of Phoenix has over twenty physical campuses across the country. The Houston campus has more than 2,000 students and another campus is being built on the northwest side of town. UP is one of the fastest growing institutions in the country. They pioneered a model for higher education that caters working adults (the average age of a UP student is 37).

UP is also the pioneer of on-line education with a number of undergraduate and graduate level courses.

The University is not immune to the problems of computer illiteracy: many on-line students are unable to deal with their computers and some must drop out as a result. Those that continue place a great burden on the UP support people. Bill Stewart had the opportunity to visit with some of the Houston campus support staff who indicated that many students learn enough to write their reports and set up their presentations but have problems with the most basic functions such as copying files.

The survey and test showed that although students generally gave themselves high ratings on their abilities, they lacked an understanding of the most basic computer concepts.

From left, Bill Stewart, CL-USA director; Luzanne Coburn, U of P buisness liaison; Chad Bandy, U of P Associate Campus Director and Kelley Mauk, U of P Program Director

University of Phoenix
Computer Literacy Survey
View survey results

On a scale of 1 to 4 rate your ability to perform the following functions:
1=Unable 2=Barely able 3=Usually able 4=Always able

Basic Windows-based mouse and keyboard functions:
1 2 3 4: Click and drag, minimize and maximize, resize a window
1 2 3 4: Insert and delete characters, change fonts
1 2 3 4: Cut and paste

File management:
1 2 3 4: Create directories (folders)
1 2 3 4: Copy, move, delete and organize files
1 2 3 4: Rename a file

System maintenance:
1 2 3 4: Install/uninstall programs
1 2 3 4: Install hardware and drivers
1 2 3 4: Configure/customize programs and hardware

Internet:
1 2 3 4: Send/receive e-mail
1 2 3 4: Send/receive e-mail attachments
1 2 3 4: Browse/search the web
1 2 3 4: Download/Upload files

Specific tasks:
1 2 3 4: Put a picture found on a web page into a Word document
1 2 3 4: Transport a file from one computer to another via floppy disk
1 2 3 4: Create "shortcut" icons
1 2 3 4: Change a program's default saving directory (folder)
1 2 3 4: Set a web browser's default web page
1 2 3 4: Find out how much storage space is left on the hard disk

Which best describes your computer skills and knowledge:
__ I am very knowledgeable, experienced and self-sufficient.
__ I am comfortable enough using a computer for my particular needs.
__ I can do most of what I need to but feel limited in some ways.
__ I use a computer regularly but depend on others when I have problems.
__ I feel very limited in my abilities.