ERIC Number: ED235778
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1983-May
Pages: 19
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Personal Computers: The New Academic Medium.
Case, Donald; Daley, Hugh
As a part of a larger research project intended to aid university planners, 2,027 faculty and staff at a large western university were questioned about their interest in telecommunications services. Of those surveyed, 366 faculty and 466 others--41%--returned the lengthy mail questionnaire, which included questions about computing, videotex, and conventional television programming. Results related to computer adoption and use indicate that 135 respondents owned a personal computer, while 331 others planned to buy one within the next 5 years. The primary use reported for the personal computer was writing, while comparisons of actual uses by owners with intended uses by non-owners suggest that heavily-advertised uses such as financial management or database access are relatively unpopular. The personal computer, therefore, has become a means of communication, despite advertising that neglects this function of the device. Because of its increasing presence in the home and on the university campus, the use of personal computers deserves further study. (Author/LMM)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the International Communication Association (33rd, Dallas, TX, May 26-30, 1983).