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Session 2793

Assessing the Effectiveness of Computer Literacy Courses

Robert Lingard, Roberta Madison, Gloria Melara California State University, Northridge

Abstract

Computer literacy is growing in importance for all university students and is especially important for students pursuing technical and engineering courses of study. While an increasing number of today's students enter the university with an adequate level of computer knowledge and skill, there are many who do not. Large numbers of students, especially from economically disadvantaged communities, lack the computer skills necessary to be successful in most engineering programs. Therefore, it is particularly important for universities to offer computer literacy courses to accommodate the needs of such students. In order to ensure the effectiveness of educational programs in computer literacy, assessment must be done on a continuing basis. Such assessment has been difficult due to varying definitions of computer literacy and the lack of tools to adequately assess such programs. This paper describes a pilot study conducted at California State University, Northridge that was done as an experimental attempt to assess the effectiveness of computer literacy courses. The specific instruments used as well as others investigated are discussed, and the methods of conducting the assessment are explained. The results of the pilot study are presented along with recommendation for the development of improved instruments and methods for computer literacy assessment .

I. Introduction

Computer literacy has received a significant amount of attention in recent years. While computer literacy is important for all university students, it is essential for students pursuing technical and engineering courses of study. Although many of today's students enter the university with an adequate level of computer knowledge and skill, large numbers of students, especially from economically disadvantaged communities, lack the computer skills necessary to be successful in most engineering programs. "Despite the incredible growth of the Internet since the early 1990s, many citizens still do not have easy access to basic Information Technology tools, including hardware, software, or the Internet itself. Access is an issue that affects people at home, at school

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Madison, R., & Melara, G., & Lingard, R. (2002, June), Assessing The Effectiveness Of Computer Literacy Courses Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10834