Computer anxiety and attitudes among undergraduate students in Greece

This study attempts to give an insight to the computer anxiety levels and attitudes toward computers of the students of the Library and Information Systems (LIS) Department of Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Thessaloniki using Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS) and Computer Attitudes Scale (CAS). Both constructs were examined using explanatory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the factors of each construct was satisfactory. It was found that there was a strong negative relationship between the two concepts. Canonical correlation analysis demonstrated that anxiety explains more variance of the attitudes than vice versa. Another finding was that most of LIS students were not anxious toward computers and with positive attitudes. Factors correlated negatively with anxiety and positively with attitudes, were knowledge of English language, PC ownership, access of students to computers at younger ages, perceived advanced computer skills and computer experience as reflected by frequency of computer use.     

Gender differences and similarities in attitudes toward computers

Gender differences among university students in attitudes toward and involvement with computers were examined. Males were found to have taken more computer science courses, to be more knowledgeable about computer languages, to be more likely to want to major in computer science, and to have played video games more than females. There were no gender differences in reported nonvideo-game computer use or in exposure to computers in noncomputer science courses. Males and females did not differ on their reported personal interest in and enjoyment of computers. Consistent with previous research, however, males reported more comfort and confidence with computers and more positive attitudes toward mathematics than did females. Women believed more strongly than men that females should learn and are as capable of learning about computers and science as are males. It appears that these university women were as intrigued by computers as the men were. However, they were apparently somewhat inhibited from the pursuit of specialized training and careers in computer science. This inhibition may be linked to their anxiety about their own skills and to the communication, by male peers, of the attitude that women are less capable than men of learning about computers.     

Analysis of cognitive learning strategies and computer attitudes,according to college students’ gender and locus of control

This study explored variations in cognitive learning strategies and computer attitudes among college students, based on gender and locus of control. The study groups were comprised of 263 preservice teachers. The results demonstrated that the level of adherence to cognitive learning strategies on the part of female college students was significantly higher than those of male college students, especially in terms of memorization, analytical, and explanation. This study found that college students’ gender has an effect on cognitive learning strategies and computer attitudes. In terms of locus of control, college students’ cognitive learning strategies and computer attitudes were found statistically significant in the following levels: small in application, small in memorization, weaker in analytical, small in summarization, small in rehearsal, weaker in explanation, and small in computer attitude. Observance of cognitive learning strategies was found to be significantly higher for college students with internal locus of control than for those with external locus of control in terms of summarization and rehearsal.     

An examination of gender differences in the determinants of computer anxiety and attitudes toward microcomputers among managers

The study examined the determinants of computer anxiety and attitudes toward microcomputers among 166 managers employed in a variety of organizations. Results indicated that men and women in managerial positions do not differ in the level of computer anxiety reported, and are very similar in their attitudes toward microcomputers. However, gender differences were found in the pattern of relationships of demographic and personality variables with computer anxiety and microcomputer attitudes. For men, education and intuition-sensing were negatively related to computer anxiety, while age, external locus of control, and math anxiety were associated with heightened computer anxiety. In contrast, demographic and personality variables were unrelated to computer anxiety among women. Computer anxiety was the strongest predictor of attitudes toward microcomputers among both men and women. Among women, however, the feeling-thinking dimension of cognitive style, and math anxiety were additional determinants of microcomputer attitudes.     

How instruction influences attitudes of college men and women towards computers

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of micro-computer training on attitudes toward computers. One hundred and ninety-four undergraduate and graduate students participated; 107 took a microcomputer training course, while the remaining 87 received no computer training. Students in both conditions completed the Computer Attitude Scale (Loyd & Loyd, 1985) during the first and final weeks of a 16-week semester. Results from a series of multivariate and univariate analyses indicated that (a) students who received microcomputer training demonstrated less anxiety, more confidence, and more interest in using computers than students who received no training; (b) there were no significant gender differences in attitudes at the beginning or end of the study; and (c) attitudes toward computers improved significantly over time with computer training but did not change without training. Implications of these findings are discussed.     

Comparing attitudes towards computer usage by undergraduates from 1986 to 2005

The importance and use of computers has increased dramatically over the last two decades. The Attitudes Towards Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS) was developed in 1986 [Popovich, P. M., Hyde, K. R., Zakrajsek, T., & Blumer, C. (1987). The development of the attitudes toward computer usage scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 47, 261–269.] and used in a variety of settings over the years. In order to examine how computer attitudes have changed from 1986 to 2005, the ATCUS was given to 254 male and female current undergraduate students. When comparing the 1986 with 2005 results, the amount of time spent using a computer was still positively related to computer attitudes; however, the number of college computer courses was not. There is no longer a significant relationship among any of the factors with college computer courses. Males and females no longer significantly differ in their attitudes toward computers, number of college computer courses, amount of time spent using computers, or degree of self-reported computer anxiety. Implications are discussed.     

计算机应用基础教学方法研究

计算机应用基础教学,是学生在进行计算机学习时所接触到的第一门基础性的计算机课程,而这一学科主要的教学目的则是使学生能够掌握到计算机方面最基本的知识,从而激发学生对计算机知识学习的兴趣,培养学生在计算机方面的学习能力,从而为今后的计算机知识学习打下坚实的基础。本人结合自己在计算机教学中的一些实践经验,对计算机应用基础的教学做一些探索。     

Exploring the use of multimedia examination formats in undergraduate teaching: results from the fielding testing

Students' and faculty's perspectives toward using the multimedia examination format will influence whether digital testing can be implemented successfully or not. This study examined the students' attitudes and anxiety toward taking the multimedia examinations, factors (i.e. gender, major, student classification, and computer experience) that may influence their attitudes, and faculty's attitudes toward creating multimedia tests. Students in two undergraduate courses [a regular course (n=100), and an online course (n=97)] participated in this research. The results showed that there was strong support from the students and faculty for using multimedia exams as a primary assessment form. They embraced the interactive technology, and felt the incorporation of rich media in assessment could provide additional support for their learning and teaching. While students from both the regular and online courses found it acceptable to be evaluated using the multimedia format, multimedia testing was accepted more when it was a closer reflection of the instruction. The findings showed that students with more computer experience had lower anxiety and better attitudes toward using the multimedia format. Students entering colleges in recent years were more technologically literate. No significant differences in overall attitude and anxiety scores were found between male and female students, or between liberal arts and natural sciences majors.     

Computer experience and attitudes of 12-year-old students: implications for the UK National Curriculum

Abstract The computer experience of 12-year-old students who had just started their secondary education was investigated. Data was collected on home and school computer use, attitudes towards computers, academic ability, gender and socio-economic group. The results highlight the widely varying and often inadequate computer experience that students have received in their primary education. The computer experience of the majority of students was a long way from being sufficient to fulfil the requirements of the UK National Curriculum. For most students, home computer use formed the major part of their IT experience. Home computer use was found to have the strongest effect on attitudes towards computers. Several significant differences in attitude were apparent between boys and girls. Analysis of academic ability and socio-economic group showed that these factors related to boys and girls in very different ways. All these factors need to be considered when implementing the computer content of the UK National Curriculum.     

Computer anxiety: A cross-cultural comparative study of Dutch and Turkish university students

The purpose of this study is to determine Dutch and Turkish university students’ computer anxiety levels and to find out whether their computer anxiety levels differ according to their culture, gender and computer experience (i.e., personal computer (PC) ownership, computer usage frequency, computer usage level). A total of 106 university students (30 Dutch female, 22 Dutch male, 26 Turkish female, 28 Turkish male) participated in this research. The data were collected through computer anxiety rating scale (CARS) validated by Heinssen et al. [Heinssen, R. K., Glass, C. R., & Knight, L. A. (1987). Assessing computer anxiety: Development and validation of the computer anxiety rating scale. Computers in Human Behavior, 3, 49–59]. The data were analyzed by t-test and one-way-analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that the Turkish students have significantly higher computer anxiety levels than the Dutch students. The students’ computer anxiety levels do not differ depending on gender. However, post-hoc analysis revealed that the Turkish female students have significantly higher computer anxiety levels than the Dutch female and Dutch male students. Also, results indicated that while the students’ computer experience increase their computer anxiety levels decrease significantly.     

Is students’ computer use at home related to their mathematical performance at school?

Recent research has provided evidence that students’ computer use at home is positively associated with their performance at school. However, most of the previous studies have failed to take into account the multiple determination of school performance and, in addition, to explain why using computers at home should benefit students’ academic achievement. The study described in this article takes a step towards filling this gap by circumventing the theoretical and methodological problems of previous research. First, we analyzed students’ home computer use and their performance in mathematics while accounting for other factors that have been found to affect students’ achievement. Second, we investigated possible differences in students’ school performance depending on how they used the computer. Based on the data from German students who took part in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2003, our results showed that students’ access to a computer was not linked with their performance in mathematics. In addition, it did not matter how often students used a computer at home. A positive effect on mathematical achievement was, however, observed for a small group of students who used the computer in a self-determined way that largely engaged them in problem-solving activities. Overall, the findings indicate that for the majority of students the computer had no substantial influence on their academic achievement. At the same time, the results are suggestive of ways in which performance in mathematics might be enhanced through the use of computers.     

Computer phobia and computer self-efficacy: their association with undergraduates’ use of university computer facilities

Extensive development in universities’ provision of computer facilities may have negative consequences for students prone to computer avoidance. In the present study, undergraduates (N = 363) completed self-report measures on computer phobia and self-efficacy. Results demonstrate that many students follow previous trends by continuing to report levels of computer phobia within the higher parameters of self-report measures. Students who reported either high computer phobia or low computer self-efficacy were less likely to maximise their use of university computer facilities. Moreover, a range of background measures – initial computer experience, regular home use, successful completion of a computer course and introductory tutor’s characteristics – all impacted statistically on self-report responses. Results are discussed with reference to the increasing responsibility placed on students to acquire ICT skills.     

Assessing emotions related to learning new software: The computer emotion scale

To date, little research has been done on the role of emotions with respect to computer related behaviours. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable, valid scale to assess emotions while learning with computers. Four emotions (anger, anxiety, happiness, and sadness), selected after a detailed review of the research, were evaluated. Internally reliability estimates were acceptable. Construct validity was confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations among emotions and affective attitude, but not cognitive and behavioural attitudes. Finally, predictive validity was corroborated by consistent and significant correlations among emotion, computer knowledge, and use.     

A multivariate comparison of computer anxiety levels between candidate and tenured school principals

School administrators should be able to follow technological advancements and promote the role of leadership with regard to technology in their institutions. However, affective factors such as computer anxiety might hinder administrators’ roles in this process. Therefore, this study investigated multivariate differences between candidate and tenured administrators on computer anxiety levels, after accounting for differences in age. The sample of the study included 216 candidates and 368 tenured school principals. The Computer Anxiety Scale and a set of demographic questions were used to collect the data. One-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was performed on three dependent variables that are the three dimensions of computer anxiety (i.e., Affective Anxiety, Damaging Anxiety, and Learning Anxiety). Independent variable had two levels (i.e., candidate versus tenured administrators) and age was used as a covariate. Results showed multivariate significant differences. Candidate administrators reported higher levels of affective and learning anxiety compared to their tenured colleagues. We conclude that the sample of the study had accessibility and familiarity with computers; yet, showed different experiences. Finally, refinement is still needed in the area of computer anxiety and its relationships with other variables among educational administrators.     

Exploring the relationship between emotions and the acquisition of computer knowledge

Most computer users have to deal with major software upgrades every 6–18 months. Given the pressure of having to adjust so quickly and so often, it is reasonable to assume that users will express emotional reactions such as anger, desperation, anxiety, or relief during the learning process. To date, the primary emotion studied with respect to computer knowledge has been anxiety or fear. The purpose of the following study was to explore the relationship among a broader range of emotions (anger, anxiety, happiness, and sadness) and the acquisition of nine computer related skills. Pre- and post-surveys were given to 184 preservice education students enrolled in 8 month, integrated laptop program. Happiness was expressed most of the time – anxiety, anger, and sadness were reported sometimes. Anxiety and anger levels decreased significantly, while computer knowledge increased. All four emotions were significantly correlated with all nine computer knowledge areas at the beginning of the program, but happiness and anxiety were the only emotions significantly related to change in computer knowledge.     

Attitudinal and experiential predictors of technological expertise

This study sought to clarify which computer and Internet skills and experiences differentiate technological expertise and to identify predictors of this expertise. Two hundred and fifty-eight incoming university students were surveyed on Internet and computer experiences, skills, and attitudes. Six specific Internet and computer uses that differentiate technological expertise were identified based on frequency of use. Males and those who own computers had greater technological expertise. Factor analyses identified two skill factors (Internet skills, Computer/Math skills), three experience factors (Internet, Computer, Recreational Use of Internet), five attitude factors (Importance of Internet and computer knowledge, Computer aversive, Internet and computer comfort/competency, Internet and computer overuse, Technology aversive). These factors as well as gender, computer ownership, and weekly computer and Internet use were entered as independent variables in a general linear model (GLM) which was then used to determine which factors affected technological expertise. The overall GLM was significant (R² = .414, F = 5.85, p < .001). Internet and computer skills and computer abuse were the strongest predictors of technological expertise. Weekly Internet use, Internet and computer comfort/competency also were predictors, and gender was almost significant (p = .056) as a predictor. Neither computer ownership nor other Internet and computer attitudes were significant predictors.     

The relation of gender and background experience to self-reported computing anxieties and cognitions

Gender and background characteristics were assessed in a sample of undergraduate social science students in relation to computing anxieties and attitudes as measured by the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale and Computer Thoughts Surveys. In contrast to previous studies the present study assessed individual factors from the two measures rather than total scale scores, and used a wider range of background measures to evaluate their impact on computing attitudes. Results indicate that gender differences may be more likely to persist, even with controlling variables, if responses are examined at factor rather than scale level. Students who had regular access to computing facilities developed more positive attitudes but had no advantage in anxiety. In contrast a positive first experience in computing appeared to alleviate anxiety but gave no primacy in positive attitudes. A previously successful computing background was not strongly or consistently related to positive computing attitudes, but the characteristics of the initial computer instructor may have negative consequences for some students.     

The effects of computer games on primary school students’ achievement and motivation in geography learning

The implementation of a computer game for learning about geography by primary school students is the focus of this article. Researchers designed and developed a three-dimensional educational computer game. Twenty four students in fourth and fifth grades in a private school in Ankara, Turkey learnt about world continents and countries through this game for three weeks. The effects of the game environment on students’ achievement and motivation and related implementation issues were examined through both quantitative and qualitative methods. An analysis of pre and post achievement tests showed that students made significant learning gains by participating in the game-based learning environment. When comparing their motivations while learning in the game-based learning environment and in their traditional school environment, it was found that students demonstrated statistically significant higher intrinsic motivations and statistically significant lower extrinsic motivations learning in the game-based environment. In addition, they had decreased focus on getting grades and they were more independent while participating in the game-based activities. These positive effects on learning and motivation, and the positive attitudes of students and teachers suggest that computer games can be used as an ICT tool in formal learning environments to support students in effective geography learning.     

Computers,anxiety, and gender: an analysis of reactions to the Y2K computer problem

The current study investigated computer attitudes, anxiety, behavior, and gender in the context of a computer-related uncertain event with potentially far-reaching implications, the Y2K computer problem. Internet-based data collection resulted in a sample of 1500 participants who completed questionnaires on a research website. Path analyses showed that Y2K anxiety and preparations were significantly predicted by a number of variables, including computer anxiety and negative attitudes toward computers, trait anxiety, and gender. Trait anxiety significantly predicted computer anxiety and negative attitudes toward computers. Gender significantly predicted Y2K anxiety, trait anxiety, and computer anxiety, but indirect effects of gender on Y2K anxiety as mediated by the other variables were not significant, suggesting that women's higher levels of trait and computer anxiety did not explain their greater Y2K anxiety. The path model with the best overall fit included computer anxiety predicting negative attitudes computers rather than vice versa. Implications for interventions aimed at reducing situation-specific computer anxiety are discussed, including the importance of targeting anxiety directly, not just negative thoughts about computers.