Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Technology Competency Assessment (TCA)?
The Technology Competency Assessment is an online assessment of a Related Links
- Center for the Preparation of Education Professionals
- Office for Teacher Education Partnerships
- WesternOnline
- University Computer Support Services
student's knowledge and application of word processing (Microsoft Word), presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint), spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel), database software (Microsoft Access), and Internet and Computer safety that will be completed and submitted for evaluation through STAR-Online at any time and from any Internet-connected computer.
Students will complete five courses that will first guide them through a series of interactive lessons. Students will then apply the skills learned in the Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word courses to create a completely new product based on a minimum list of requirements and submit it for evaluation.
Why do I have to take the Technology Competency Assessment?
It is the hope that successful completion of this assessment by students will reduce the amount of time spent on skill development of programs and allow for more instructional time and discussions of technology integration in education courses.
How do I register and pay for the Technology Competency Assessment?
To register for the TCA on the Macomb campus, visit the TRC in Horrabin Hall 111, Monday through Friday from 8am - 4:30pm.
To register for the TCA in the Quad Cities, contact Kim Moreno or LaVerne Logan.
A current WIU Student ID and the exact amount of $40 if you are a new participant or $25 if you are re-enrolling, payable to Western Illinois University by check, cash or money order, are required when registering.
Where and how do I complete the Technology Competency Assessment?
Once you are registered, you will be enrolled in the current session of the TCA on STAR- Online.
You will need to log in to STAR-Online (http://star-online.howtomaster.com) from any Internet-connected computer using your WIU Ecom user name as the User ID and designated password given to you at registration.
With the TCA available through STAR-Online, you do not need to come into a designated lab to complete the tests during a specific time period. You can complete the assessment from any computer that is connected to the Internet when it is convenient for you. You now have the option of completing the assessment from home at 11pm or using any lab computer during open hours.
How will I know if I passed?
All correspondence for the TCA will take place through your WIU Email account. You can also track your progress through the STAR-Online system.
Once you have met all the requirements for each of the five courses, you will receive an email notifying you of your achievement. Advisors have access to a database that is updated consistently, listing student progression and completion of all the requirements of the Technology Competency Assessment.
How long do I have to complete the TCA?
You will have at least eight weeks to complete the TCA. There are two sessions available during the Fall and Spring semesters and one session available during the Summer semester. Those who register before the 10th day of each semester will be enrolled in the First session. Those who register after this date will be enrolled in the Second session.
Each session will be activated 2 weeks prior to the official start date during the semester. You may enroll in a session before the session officially starts and use the early activation time to work on the assessment.
For a current list of session dates, please view the FY10 TCA Schedule.
What if I don't complete all the requirements by the end of the session?
If you do not complete the TCA during the session you are enrolled in, you will need to pay another fee of $25.00 to activate your enrollment in the next TCA session on STAR- Online. You will continue where you left off in the previous TCA section.
Questions and Comments
If you have further questions or comments regarding the Teacher Education Program Technology Competency Assessment, contact the Office of Teacher Education Partnerships (OTEP) by visiting Horrabin Hall 111 on the Macomb campus, by phoning 309/298-2444, or by emailing dm-brush@wiu.edu.