ERIC Number: EJ757072
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 14
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1521-0251
EISSN: N/A
The Digital Divide and First-Year Students
Goodfellow, Marianne; Wade, Barbara
Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, v8 n4 p425-438 2006-2007
Current cross-campus computing initiatives demand both access and skill in employing technology as a tool for academic success. Consequently, lack of computer skills can affect first-year students' potential for success because many courses assume students are computer literate. In this study, 888 first-year students completed a survey--administered for three years--that examined technology variables. A chi-square statistic and associated p-value indicated that students' access to computers increased over a three-year period, albeit it was income-related. Results showed an improvement in word processing, Internet and library-searching skills, and developing computer-enhanced presentations. However, results from the last year of the study showed that more than 50% of students rated themselves unskilled at library-searching and developing computer-enhanced presentations, with approximately one-third of students rating themselves unskilled at e-mail. Implications for first-year student computer-training support are discussed. (Contains 3 tables and 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Word Processing, Computer Literacy, Access to Computers, College Freshmen, Computer Uses in Education, Rating Scales, Electronic Mail, Internet, Online Searching, Information Literacy, Library Materials, Student Attitudes
Baywood Publishing Company, Inc. 26 Austin Avenue, P.O. Box 337, Amityville, NY 11701. Tel: 800-638-7819; Tel: 631-691-1270; Fax: 631-691-1770; e-mail: info@baywood.com; Web site: http://baywood.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A