Computer Skill Levels of University Students: The Necessity of the Introductory Computer Course
Claudia Orr, Bruce Sherony, and Carol Steinhaus
When a mandatory laptop program commenced in the fall of 2000 at a public university in the Midwest, a longitudinal study also began to examine student perceptions of computer skill levels and methods of learning these skills. Students were again surveyed to determine changes in perceptions of computer skill levels five years later. Methods of learning computer skills were also examined. The findings showed that overall computing skill increased in the five-year period. Specifically, increases were found in the areas of operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, Internet, and e-mail. Database skill level was unchanged. Coursework was the predominant method students used to learn computing skills, followed by self instruction. Therefore,university faculty need to continue designing and delivering courses to help students develop computer skills.
Keywords: laptop computers, student perceptions, university, computer course, computer skill
Dr. Claudia Orr earned her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1988. Currently she is a professor of management at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.
Dr. Bruce Sherony earned his Ph.D. at St. Louis University in 1976. Currently he is a professor of management at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.
Dr. Carol Steinhaus earned her Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1992. Currently she is an associate professor of management at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.
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