An assessment of a college wide computer applications course

Computers have become a pervasive tool in the life of American citizens as well as the citizens of many industrialized nations. Interaction with the computer is a daily activity, whether this is in the form of banking, information gathering, finding a job, or performing the job. At issue is the computer literacy of these individuals who find themselves interacting with computers. Until recently, the definition of computer literacy has primarily included computer programming Today, the meaning has changed to refer to the use of computer applications. In acknowledgment of this situation, the University of Tennessee, College of Human Ecology has instituted a course covering microcomputer applications. This is a core course requirement for all of its undergraduates.

There is no base line information regarding what level of computer application knowledge the students bring to this class. Does the student's age or gender affect the entry knowledge level? Does the student's age or gender affect the post-course knowledge level? Through the use of mean (a) pre-test scores, (b) post-test scores, and (c) gain scores, this study attempts to measure entry-level knowledge and post-course-level knowledge. Additional analysis of the test is performed to establish reliability. The balance of particular test questions covering the course curriculum was tabulated. This is done to indicate if the test is addressing all phases of the course curriculum.

The results show there is no difference in the entry levels of computer literacy among traditional students and non-traditional students. Regardless of the class time (day or evening), there is no difference in the entry levels of computer literacy of the students.

There is a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores among the sample population of EDE 210 students. There is also a significant difference in the gain scores among the day class students and the evening class students of sample population. The two day classes were combined for the benefit of the testing.