WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -  Northcentral Technical College and four area high schools are using computer technology to assess student learning. Six federal grants were awarded in different fields, and NTC is focusing on the field of manufacturing. The application works on an I-Pad, and helps teachers in high school evaluate student knowledge and monitor their progress with understanding and applying new skills.

Bob Marlowe from NTC says the application is working and helps determine what skills people excel at and what skills are needed more training.

Marlowe says they have worked with businesses and educators to develop a core list of twelve skills people need in the manufacturing workplace, and this tool helps track students as they identify and improve upon each skill.

He says the application has the attention of several businesses, who would like to see it further developed to evaluate and train existing employees who need to keep up with new technology or brush up on certain skills.

Spencer, D.C. Everest, Wausau East and Wausau West are working with NTC to use, develop, and test the tablet computer application.