Abstract:

The global demand for digital literacy emanates from the dominance of information and communication technologies in different aspects of our modern life. Digital literacy has evolved overtime as digital technologies improved and society became more dependent on ICT, such as mobile devices, computers, laptops, and social network devices. The introduction of Computer Application Technology (CAT) subject at schools in South Africa is just a milestone in addressing the digital literacy at schools. This study investigated the level of computer literacy in learners by using basic standard test of learning content from CAT subject. Although these schools introduced CAT in 2013, the test was administered to the class of 2014. The participants were all grade 10 learners studying CAT from six schools around Pretoria. The data analysis included the pass and failure rates, average pass per school, and standard deviation which indicate deviation of learners performance from the mean. The analysis also included the performance of learners in terms of the how many wrongs and correct answers learners from each school obtained. The study found that five out of six schools leaners performed well in theoretical knowledge test of Computer Application Technology subject, and one school obtained a pass rate of 25%. The basic questions administered in the test included Computer software, Process of access, Temporary storage area, Process of starting computer, Data processing, Hardware, Computer screen, Computer processing, Computer sequence. Four schools were tested on 12 specific theoretical questions and school A obtained most answers correct, while school B, C and D obtained wrong answers in most questions. The schools investigated had computer labs which is part of the intervention project started in 2011. The introduction of CAT subject at schools with computer labs or other mobile devices will go a long way in promoting digital literacy at schools. An investigation which test also the learners practical skills of using ICT is required.

Keywords:

Digital literacy, Computer Application Technology, ICT, digital technologies, schools, Pretoria.