Impact of computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety: a practical indicator of dental students’ computer competency in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study identified the impact of computer self-efficacy (CSES) and computer anxiety (CARS) of dental students at University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of a total of 129 undergraduates from two academic years that are 2nd and 3rd years at the Dental Faculty during the second semester in the months of August to December of 2012/2013. Of total sample 77% responded. The Murphy et al.’s CSES was used to determine computer self-efficacy whereas Heinssen et al.’s CARS scale was used to determine computer anxiety of undergraduates. The results indicated that both 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates were self-efficacious. Subjects showed 50 percent of computer anxiety which is moderate level to use computers. Although there were no significant differences among self-efficacy, anxiety, studying year and Z-Score, there was a significant differences shown in age and gender based on frequency of library use. Results of the correlation indicated that studying year and age of the undergraduates have strong and high correlation. The results would be useful to the course designers and dental library staff to redesign of the Information Literacy program based on studying year and age. Furthermore, the hands-on-training of the program would be more effective for further reduction of the anxiety.