TORONTO - Students in two Canadian provinces proved more computer literate than the international average in a new test meant to help educators and policy-makers understand how integrating technology in schools affects children's skills.
Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador were the only two provinces to participate in the International Computer and Information Literacy Study, which was administered last year to some 60,000 Grade 8 students in 20 countries.
The study looks at students' ability to collect, manage, produce and exchange information using a computer, as well as teachers' and principals' attitude and confidence regarding technology in the school setting.
It is believed to be the first international test of its kind.
Ontario students scored an average of 547 out of 600 in overall computer literacy, significantly above the international average of 500. The province is in a statistical tie for the top spot with Australia and the Czech Republic.
Newfoundland and Labrador ranked seventh with an average score of 528.
