Personal Computer Use (PCU) Framework

The Personal Computer Use (PCU) Framework measures classroom teachers' fluency level with using digital tools and resources for student learning. As one moves to a higher PCU Intensity Level, the depth and breadth of current and emerging digital tool use (e.g., multimedia, productivity, desktop publishing, web-based applications) in the classroom increases proportionally as does the teacher's advocacy and commitment level for their use. At the highest PCU Intensity Levels, teachers assume leadership roles that transcend the everyday use of digital tools and resources toward a level of advocacy for effective technology use in their classroom, school building, and the larger global community.

• Intensity Level 0 (Not True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 0 indicates that the participant does not possess the inclination or skill level to use digital tools and resources for either personal or professional use. Participants at Intensity Level 0 exhibit a general disinterest toward emerging technologies relying more on traditional devices (e.g., use of overhead projectors, chalkboards, paper/pencil activities) than using digital resources for conveying information or classroom management tasks.
  
  
• Intensity Level 1 (Not True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 1 indicates that the participant demonstrates little fluency with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 1 may have a general awareness of various digital tools and media including word processors, spreadsheets, or the internet, but generally are not using them. Participants at this level are generally unaware of copyright issues or current research on the impact of existing and emerging digital tools and resources on student learning.
  
  
• Intensity Level 2 (Not True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 2 indicates that the participant demonstrates little to moderate fluency with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 2 may occasionally browse the internet, use email, or use a word processor program; yet, may not have the confidence or feel comfortable using existing and emerging digital tools beyond classroom management tasks (e.g., grade book, attendance program). Participants at this level are somewhat aware of copyright issues and maintain a cursory understanding of the impact of existing and emerging digital tools and resources on student learning.
  
  
• Intensity Level 3 (Somewhat True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 3 indicates that the participant demonstrates moderate fluency with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 3 may begin to become “regular” users of selected digital-age media and formats (e.g., internet, email, word processor, multimedia) to (1) communicate with students, parents, and peers and (2) model their use in the classroom in support of research and learning. Participants at this level are aware of copyright issues and maintain a moderate understanding of the impact of existing and emerging digital tools and resources on student learning.
  
  
• Intensity Level 4 (Somewhat True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 4 indicates that the participant demonstrates moderate to high fluency with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 4 commonly use a broader range of digital-age media and formats in support of their curriculum and instructional strategies. Participants at this level model the safe, legal, and ethical uses of digital information and technologies and participate in local discussion forums that advocate the positive impact of existing digital tools and resources on student success in the classroom.
  
  
• Intensity Level 5 (Somewhat True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 5 indicates that the participant demonstrates a high fluency level with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 5 are commonly able to use an expanded range of existing and emerging digital-age media and formats in support of their curriculum and instructional strategies. Participants at this level advocate the safe, legal, and ethical uses of digital information and technologies and participate in local and global learning that advocate the positive impact of existing digital tools and resources on student success in the classroom.
  
  
• Intensity Level 6 (Very True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 6 indicates that the participant demonstrates high to extremely high fluency level with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 6 are sophisticated in the use of most, if not all, existing and emerging digital-age media and formats (e.g., multimedia, productivity, desktop publishing, web-based applications). They begin to take on a leadership role as advocates for technology infusion as well as the safe, legal, and ethical uses of digital resources in the schools. Participants at this level continually reflect on the latest research discussing the impact of digital tools on student success.
  
  
• Intensity Level 7 (Very True of Me Now)
  A PCU Intensity Level 7 indicates that the participant possesses an extremely high fluency level with using digital tools and resources for student learning. Participants at Intensity Level 7 are sophisticated in the use of any existing and emerging digital-age media and formats (e.g., multimedia, productivity, desktop publishing, web-based applications). Participants at this level set the vision for technology infusion based on the latest research and continually seek creative uses of digital tools and resources that impact learning. They actively participate in global learning communities that seek creative uses of digital tools and resources in the classroom.