Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICT?
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. ICT is an innovative instructional program that prepares students to effectively use technology in learning, communication, and life. Students in Information and Communication Technology I complete study in interpersonal and self-directional skills; basic technology operation and technology concepts; social, ethical, and human issues in technology; technology communication tools; technology resource tools; multimedia presentation applications; word processing applications; spreadsheet applications; and design applications. Students in Information and Communication Technology II complete study in interpersonal and self-directional skills; input applications; technology lab management and networking; publishing applications; graphic design applications; web design applications; database applications; and technology problem-solving and decision making tools.
The ICT curriculum framework is built upon 21st Century Skills standards and the National Educational Technology Standards for Students. Career Pathways and Mississippi Department of Education Subject Area Testing benchmarks are integrated throughout the competencies, objectives, and suggested teaching and assessment strategies. Upon the successful completion of this program, students will be prepared to complete the IC3 Computer Literacy exam and meet the eighth grade computer literacy requirement of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
When will my school offer ICT?
During the 2006-2007 school year, 12 – 15 pilot sites will be selected to begin getting ready to implement the ICT program. The pilot year of implementation will be during the 2007-2008 school year. After the pilot program is implemented, a 4-year phase-in process will begin.
Until my school converts to the ICT program, how will I report the NCLB 8th grade technology literacy requirement?
The current 8th grade Computer Discovery courses will be used to report the NCLB 8th grade technology literacy requirement. Further information about the reporting protocol will be provided through the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Academic Education. When the information is available, we will update this website.
When I implement the new ICT program, what do I do with the existing equipment in my 7th grade Career Discovery lab?
Schools will be required to have a plan for the existing equipment. The equipment should be used for instructional purposes. Districts need to make sure to follow vocational inventory procedures and guidelines when transferring equipment to other instructional programs in the district.
Will teachers be able to use some of the existing Discovery courses equipment?
Schools will be encouraged to use all of the existing equipment that can be used in the new curriculum. Funding will be limited; therefore, school districts will need to use all technology equipment wisely.
What kind of training will teachers need to teach ICT I and II?
All ICT teachers will have an opportunity to participate in keyboarding, ICT preparation training, ICT Licensure Endorsement training, and TRAC training. Only the ICT Licensure Endorsement training is required for certification. As a prerequisite to this training, participants will be required to key 30 net words per minute (total words per minute minus total errors) and become IC3 certified.
Should I be worried if I have never had formal keyboarding training?
No, training will be available. If you are a 7th grade Career Discovery teacher, you can work through the keyboarding software program located in your 8th grade Computer Discovery classrooms.
Are there any prequisites to the ICT Methods training?
Yes, participants will be required to key 30 net words per minute (total words per minute minus total errors) and become IC3 certified. If teachers are unable to meet these requirements, they can participate in keyboarding and IC3 preparation training. These trainings will be offered in a face-to-face and online environment.
What is IC3 certification?
Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) is a globally recognized standard and certification for digital literacy that validates basic computer skills and Internet knowledge required to be successful in school, work, and life. More than an assessment of basic computer skills, IC3 is a global standard with worldwide recognition.
As a teacher, how can I become IC3 certified?
The Mississippi Department of Education will have regional test-out sessions during the summers of 2006, 2007, and 2008. Teachers will have an opportunity to become certified at these trainings. Certiport has testing centers throughout the state that will offer you an opportunity to take the exams. To find a testing center, please visit www.certiport.com/Portal/Pages/LocatorView.aspx or contact Nita Brooks at Msnbrooks@aol.com or 662-621-8948. MDE will be unable to reimburse teachers for the cost of IC3 certification.
What is the cost of the IC3 certification Examination?
The cost of the IC3 certification is around $30.00 per exam. There is a total of 3 exams. Some testing sites offer discounts because they purchase their exams in bulk. If you take the IC3 exam from an MDE training site, you will receive a discounted price.
Other than the cost of the IC3 examination, will teachers incur any other training costs?
Teachers will be asked to purchase a textbook for the ICT Licensure Endorsement training. More information will be posted when it is available.
Will teachers have a separate Mississippi licensure endorsement for ICT I and II?
Yes. After the successful completion of the ICT Licensure Endorsement training, teachers will receive a new licensure endorsement that will allow them to teach ICT I and ICT II.
What instructional delivery model is recommended for ICT?
Looping is the recommended instructional delivery model; however, looping is not required to have a successful ICT program. There are many instructional benefits to having the ICT I teacher loop with students from 7th grade to ICT II in the 8th grade. Districts have flexibility to use the delivery model that best suits the needs of their students. For more information on how to successfully implement looping at the 7th and 8th grade levels, contact Bob Fuller at Armstrong Middle School at bfuller@starkville.k12.ms.us or 662-324-4070.
How can I help my students become IC3 certified?
First, you need to become IC3 certified. Contact Certiport (Msnbrooks@aol.com or 662-621-8948) and become a testing center. Next, be creative and find a way to help your students pay for the certification. You can charge a lab fee, open your lab up at night for community members to become IC3 certified, or have a classroom fundraiser. While you are raising money for your students, you can begin preparing them for the test. The ICT curriculum is closely tied to the IC3 objectives.
Is there a required textbook for the ICT course?
A textbook will not be required. Upon the approval of the curriculum, a textbook committee will meet to recommend textbooks that can be used to teach this new curriculum.
Will the ICT course meet the computer literacy requirement for high school graduation?
Yes.
What is TRAC?
The Mississippi TRAnsportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) program was established in 1997. TRAC currently serves public schools throughout the state. With the support of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Commission and Executive Director, MDOT and the Mssissippi Department of Education are working as partners to provide TRAC to all middle school ICT Programs. For more information about TRAC, please visit http://www.mdot.state.ms.us/trac/.
Some teachers who have received the MS Department of Transportation TRAC training desire a refresher workshop. Will this be available?
Yes, we are in the process of planning TRAC training for new teachers and a refresher workshop for teachers who are interested. Information about these trainings will be posted to this website.
| 
