Are high school graduates technologically ready for post-secondary education?

Abstract

A research study was conducted to identify general computer literacy skills needed for all students at the college level, to assess the computer literacy skills of incoming college freshmen, and to determine if a need exists for a general computer literacy/skills course for all undergraduate students. This study surveyed faculty members at four-year, public institutions in Missouri to determine their opinions of what technology skills are important for all students to be academically successful. The study also examined technology skills of students entering post-secondary education. The information obtained through this study provided documented evidence to assist in determining if a general education course in computer literacy is still needed or if students graduating from high school are computer literate and possess the technology skills necessary to be successful in their post-secondary studies.

References

1. U. S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, Toward a new golden age in American education: How the Internet, the Law and today's students are revolutionizing expectation, 2004, http://www.NationalEdTechPlan.org, retrieved May 17, 2005.
2. Zhao, J. J., Alexander, M. W., Information technology skills recommended for business students by Fortune 500 executives. Delta Pi Epsilon Journal, 44, 175--189. 2002, http://wilsontxt.hwwilson.com/pdffull/03594\ZRGPI\7Su.pdf, retrieved May 11, 2004.

Index Terms

• Applied computing

  • Education

• Social and professional topics

  • Professional topics

    • Computing education

      • Computing education programs

        • Computer science education

      • Computing literacy