'On Your Mouse, Get 'Net, Go!': The 'New and Improved' MCI Great American Net Test to Measure Nation's Internet Aptitude
Business Wire - March 30, 1998 08:04
%MCI-GREAT-AMERICAN-NET %DISTRICT %OF %COLUMBIA %COMPUTERS %ELECTRONICS %COMED %ENTERTAINMENT %EDUCATION V%BW P%BW
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1998--The MCI Great American Net Test(SM) is back! Millions of Americans are expected to participate in this year's debut of this unique on-line competition that measures America's Internet navigation skills.
A newly designed, more interactive MCI Great American Net Test(SM) web site (www.nettest.mci.com) officially goes on-line at 12 Noon EST on March 30, 1998.
The inaugural MCI Great American Net Test(SM) was launched in 1997 to determine how well Americans drive on the information superhighway - no other tool for measuring cyberspace dexterity had been in existence.
The resulting national average score was 78.8 out of a possible 100 points - a solid "C+" average. More than 16,500 "Internauts," the newest moniker for cyberspace explorers, completed this voluntary, anonymous test.
New and Different Web Site Relies on Latest Technology
The redesigned 1998 MCI Great American Net Test(SM) web site uses the latest Microsoft software to generate more interesting descriptions of the test-taking public.
This data-gathering allows for anonymous analysis of user skill levels within major demographic groups. The 1998 MCI Great American Net Test(SM) will provide information on user skill levels by demographic group, i.e., men vs. women; children vs. seniors, etc. Direct search engine and browser links between the MCI Great American Net Test(SM) and the World Wide Web have been installed to allow "MCI Internauts" to search without leaving the test's web site-and thus avoiding getting lost in cyberspace while looking for an answer.
Additionally, the new software enables test questions to appear on screen while the "MCI Internauts" are surfing out on the World Wide Web instead of returning to the home page to verify the question.
Easier-to-understand comprehensive instructions; fun, popping graphics; and bigger, better action buttons make this MCI Great American Net Test(SM) a more involving experience for the "MCI Internauts."
Other site enhancements include auto-prompted messages of encouragement and congratulations to each tester, a feedback page for all who complete the test, comparative national results for each test taker and spontaneous human interest and demographic questions that pop up on screen throughout the test.
"The 1998 MCI Great American Net Test(SM) reflects our commitment to educate people about technology and the Internet in a fun and competitive way," said Tim Price, president of MCI.
"We're one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic, and we know everyone benefits from the Internet - from electronic commerce to education to entertainment. So the entire country, not only those who are computer-savvy, is encouraged to take the test."
On July 4, 1998, when this year's results are released, annual scores will be compared to determine if the country's Internet skills are improving. "Americans are encouraged to log on to this year's test to be counted," added Price, in this annual benchmarking competition. The site (www.nettest.mci.com) will be on-line through July 4, 1998.
Are America's Internet skills improving?
The 1997 test provided baseline, comparative insight about the nation's skills. Examination of the data from the 1997 test results yielded some preliminary findings.
Women slightly outscored men and exceeded the average national grade, registering a score of 79.91. Men averaged 78.29 and accounted for more than 68 percent of the total test-taking population.
Pennsylvania was the nation's top Internet-savvy state, followed by Washington State. The 1998 results will be scrutinized for confirmation of these trends.
"As the 21st century approaches, America must continue to make better use of computer-based communications to compete locally as well as globally," aid Vint Cerf, MCI senior vice president, Internet Architecture and Engineering and renowned "Father of the Internet."
"The results of the 1998 MCI Great American Net Test(SM) will offer a fresh look at the ability of American 'Internauts' to use the Internet well," Cerf said.
About the Test
The test consists of a standardized format of multiple-choice questions, reminiscent of the popular SAT and GMAT examinations. Endorsed by the Educational Testing Service's subsidiary, The Chauncey Group International, the test is comprised of five questions, one in each of these five categories: Pop Culture; History; World Geography; Arts & Literature; and Science & Technology. (For example, in the 1997 test, participants were asked, "What was Harry Houdini's birth name?") Once they read a question, test-takers search the Web for the correct answer, and then return to the test to post each answer.
"The Internet has easily become one of the most important resources of our time," said Bob Sharron, director, Global Corporate Services, The Chauncey Group International, Ltd. "MCI has developed a statistically valid way to analyze how well the American people are using the Internet."
Scores are based on a 0-100 system, combining the number of correct answers entered and the amount of time it takes to complete the test. Users with average Internet experience should be able to complete the test in 25-35 minutes, and scoring will account for different modem speeds.
Participants can take the test several times, with new versions of the test rotated daily. Over time, users can actually see their Internet skills improve.
MCI Nothin' But 'Net Challenges
To reach a critical segment of the on-line public - America's families and their children - MCI is bringing MCI Nothin' But 'Net Challenge events this year to 10 U.S. cities: Hartford, Baltimore, Raleigh, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa.
The events are part of MCI's nationwide commitment to provide state-of-the-art technology to schools, libraries and community centers to improve and build upon the cyber skills young people need to compete in the 21st century.
The MCI Nothin' But 'Net Challenges combine playing basketball and surfing the Internet in a fun, competitive way: to use the drive, energy and excitement kids have for sports and turning it into productive learning.
The educational benefits and entertainment the Internet offers are the cornerstones of MCI's involvement in technology and education. In each of these events, MCI also donates technology gifts to local non-profit education-based organizations in each of the 10 cities.
MCI, headquartered in Washington, DC, is a leading provider of local-to-global communication services to business, government and residential users. The company's fast growing portfolio of advanced data, Internet and IT services now accounts for nearly a quarter of MCI's $19.7 billion in annual revenue.
MCI operates one of the world's largest and most advanced digital networks, connecting local markets in the U.S. to more than 280 countries and locations worldwide. MCI has agreed to merge with WorldCom, one of the world's fastest growing communications companies.
The merger, which is expected to be complete by mid-1998, will create MCI WorldCom, a company uniquely positioned in the U.S. local and long distance markets as well as the global data and Internet markets.
Note to Journalists:
Media are invited to "beta test" the 1998 MCI Great American Net Test(SM) in advance of the American public at www.nettest.mci.com March 27 through 30. The test will then be made available to the public 12 Noon EST March 30, 1998 through July 4, 1998.
Advance Access Instructions for Media (preview before site opens to public) Please note entries listed below are (upper/lower)CASE sensitive
1) Go to site at: www.nettest.mci.com
2) Enter User Name: nettest98
3) Enter Password: Emily
CONTACT: The MCI Great American Net Test
Mary Matalobos, MCI Voice Pager: 800/451-8476
Danielle Mackey, 703/358-0012
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