CYFAR Self-Study Learning Opportunity

Module 2: Missouri CYFAR Resources
Page 7
Computer Lab Programs
FCRP supported afterschool programs throughout the state most of which were computer labs.  In order to document the impact of these programs, FCRP staff used computer skills assessment tools, am output tracking system and conducted focus groups. The output tracking system has also been used by 4-H VISTA programs throughout Missouri.

To assess the impact the computer lab programs had on participant's computer skills, FCRP developed a computer skills assessment.  The person being evaluated completed a series of multi-step tasks to demonstrate competence in each skill area.  A trained evaluator conducted the assessment by reading the tasks to the person taking the test and recording whether or not the person was able to complete each of the 96 distinct tasks.  

The instrument was designed to measure skills in four common areas:

  • General operation of the computer
  • Word processing
  • Using the World Wide Web
  • Electronic mail

The instrument was designed to start with very basic tasks, such as turning on the computer and opening a file, and progress to the more difficult tasks.  The instrument is organized into six sections:  1) basic computer and operating system, 2) World Wide Web, 3) electronic mail, 4) basic word processing, 5) advanced word processing, and 6) advanced operating system.  Word processing skills were tested using Microsoft Word.

Irondale Community Computer Lab
This public access computer lab served low income children, youth and adults residing in rural Irondale Missouri. The lab was housed in the Irondale City Hall and was led by Extension faculty, a local collaborator, Big Rivers Computer Information Network, and volunteers.

In May 2004, the Irondale Community Computer Lab received the Exemplary Evaluation Award by the USDA's Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES).  The Irondale evaluation methodology and outcomes research was designed and led by Dr. Elizabeth G. Dunn, the lead evaluator for FCRP.

West County After School Computer Program
Located in Washington County, Missouri, Extension staff provided access to computers and Internet resources in a middle school computer lab. Computers purchased by CYFAR served as leverage for the school to buy additional technology equipment. Youth used educational and software programs that were on loan from the Missouri 4-H State Office.

Kingston K-14 Computer Program
Also located in rural Washington County, Missouri, Extension staff went into the Kingston Alternative School classroom to teach middle and high school students how to use computer applications such as PowerPoint and FrontPage. 

West End Community Center Programs
The first program in the inner-city St. Louis was the West End After School Program. Children attending nearby elementary schools came to the West End Center to get help with homework completion, participate in reading activities, and play on computers in a safe, supervised setting. The second program was the Teen Leader Group, a leadership and community service program for teens at the West End Center in non-school hours.
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Last Revised 28-Mar-08

The Missouri CYFAR Self-Study was adapted with permission from Diana Broshar,
Iowa State University Extension CYFAR Project.

Contact: Tammy Gillespie gillespiet@missouri.edu

This program is supported by University of Missouri Extension
and the Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Initiative.
 
   
University of Missouri Extension


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