Computer Experiences, Self-Efficacy And Knowledge Of Students Enrolled In Introductory University Agriculture Courses

Abstract

Students (n =175) enrolled in three freshman-level agriculture courses at a land-grant universityduring the Fall 1998 semester were surveyed to determine their computer experiences, computer selfefficacy, and computer knowledge. The students reported a variety of computer experiences, with 74.3% having completed a computer use course and 62.3% owning a computer. Over one-half of the students had received formal instruction in word processing (68.6%), file management (42.8%) and spreadsheet use (54.8%). Fewer than one-half had receivedformal instruction in databases (42.3 %) presentation graphics (37. I %), had a below average level of computer self-efficacy. The overall score on the 3.5 item multiple choice test of computer knowledge was low, with a mean of 13.42 (38.3% correct). The number of computer topics studied was the best predictor of both computer self-efficacy (r = .48) and computer knowledge (r = .45). A substantialpositive correlation (r = .67) existed between computer self-efficacy andcomputer knowledge. the Internet (37. I %), electronic mail (35.4%) or computer programming (28.0%). The students had a below average level of computer self-efficacy. The overall score on the 3.5 item multiple choice test of computer knowledge was low, with a mean of 13.42 (38.3% correct). The number of computer topics studied was the best predictor of both computer self-efficacy (r = .48) and computer knowledge (I = .45). A substantialpositive correlation (l = .67) existed between computer self-efficacy andcomputer knowledge.