The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS)

Description

CILS is a computer-based assessment that investigates the ways in which young people understand and use information and communication technology (ICT) in the digital age. This study is the first of its kind to assess Grade 8 students’ acquisition of computer information literacy (CIL) skills using an international comparative research perspective. ICILS is a program of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and was first administered in 2013.

Twenty countries participated in ICILS 2013, including Canada. The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) coordinated Canada’s participation. In Canada, only two provinces participated—Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Since a representative sample of Ontario students (English and French) participated in ICILS 2013, valid and reliable comparisons between Ontario and the other participating jurisdictions are possible. Ontario’s participation was coordinated by EQAO on behalf of the provincial government.

In total, approximately 60,000 students from about 3,300 schools participated in ICILS 2013. In Ontario, approximately 3,700 students from nearly 200 schools participated. Since the assessment is administered to a random sample of students, individual student, school and school board results are not available.

Additional Information

For more information about the International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS), visit the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) Web site.

Explore the ICILS Report