Practice for Internet & Communications
In the Internet and Communications portion of the TCA, you will be required to use a search engine on the internet to locate certain types of files. You will also be required to perform basic tasks using online communication tools. We have identified 7 basic skills that are tested by this assessment. The skills are listed below.
Internet Help
Never used the internet before? Then it is a miracle you are on this page! Here are some great tutorials created by LifeCastStudio that will teach you the basics of the internet: Internet Basics. Here are some great links that can help you learn Fair Use Copyright laws in the classroom setting: Copyright Laws for Education. At the bottom of the page is a button that links to the reference tutorial for this practice test.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TCA PRACTICE
In order to demonstrate your ability to navigate the internet, complete these steps:
Internet Search:
Communications:
Technology proficiency includes the ability to find help when you need it. If you do not know how to do the skill asked of you on the assessment, you may use any helps built in to the communications program. You will also be able to use any website (msn.com, google.com, wikipedia.com, etc.). You will not be able to ask another person (friend, relative, lab assistant, etc.) by any means (chat, email, cell phone, face-to-face, etc.) or use the EdTech Lab website practice material.
Internet Search:
- Using an internet search, find a credible source that answers the following educational copyright question: For how long after a public TV broadcast can you use the broadcast in your classroom without getting permission from the copyright holder?
- Find a picture of Martin Luther King Jr.. Create a folder on your desktop called "MLKJ." Save your picture in you "MLKJ." folder.
- Find a video or audio clip of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech online.
Communications:
- Send an email to yourself with the picture of Martin Luther King Jr. attached. In the body of the email message include the URL from the original webpage where you found the picture, and the URL to the audio or video clip.
- Login to an online discussion board (login information will be provided in the EdTech Lab). Find the discussion forum titled Martin Luther King Jr.
- Post a reply to the thread titled “respond to this thread” with your name in the title and the URL where you found the video or audio clip used above in the body of the post. (You may use the EdTech website's Discussion Board for practice.)
- Raise your hand and a lab assistant will come over and check each part of your test.
Technology proficiency includes the ability to find help when you need it. If you do not know how to do the skill asked of you on the assessment, you may use any helps built in to the communications program. You will also be able to use any website (msn.com, google.com, wikipedia.com, etc.). You will not be able to ask another person (friend, relative, lab assistant, etc.) by any means (chat, email, cell phone, face-to-face, etc.) or use the EdTech Lab website practice material.