Technology Literacy
Technology Literacy is the fourth domain of the NES Essential Academic Skills exam. It tests practical knowledge of computer systems, file management, internet and email use, productivity software, digital citizenship, and security. Items ask you to choose safe, ethical, and efficient technology practices rather than to memorize programming code.
Core rules
- File management: extensions identify file type (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf, .jpg). Save updates the current file; Save As creates a copy or saves to a new location.
- Cloud storage syncs files across devices; local storage remains on one machine.
- Spreadsheet formulas begin with =. Relative references such as B2 adjust when copied; absolute references such as $B$2 do not.
- Word processing: use styles for headings, track changes for review, and avoid manual spacing to align text.
- Browser and security: HTTPS indicates encrypted transport, not necessarily trustworthy content; phishing uses urgency, mismatched links, and requests for credentials.
- Digital citizenship: respect copyright and fair use, protect private information, use strong unique passwords, and follow acceptable-use policies.
Worked example
In a spreadsheet, B2 contains 10 and C2 contains 20. D2 contains =B2+C2. The formula is copied to D3, where B3 is 15 and C3 is 5. What appears in D3? Reasoning: Relative references shift by one row: B2 becomes B3 and C2 becomes C3, so D3 computes 15 plus 5, which is 20. If the formula were =$B$2+$C$2, D3 would still show 30. Trap: assuming the copied formula keeps the original cell values.
Traps that cost marks
- Confusing Save and Save As.
- Treating HTTPS as a guarantee of legitimacy.
- Using absolute and relative references interchangeably.
- Ignoring copyright or assuming all online material is free to reuse.
- Clicking links based on display text without checking the destination.