Computer Skills And Anxiety Of Students Entering A College of Agriculture

Students enrolled in AGED 1011 - Agriculture Freshman Orientation (n = 108) during the fall 1997 semester at the University of Arkansas were assessed to determine their computer skills and level of computer anxiety. While most entering students reported previous computer coursework, scores on the Computer Skills Inventory (CSI) were low, both overall and for each sub-test area of general knowledge, Internet use, word processing, file management, spreadsheets, and BASIC programming. Overall, the students in AGED 1011 had only a moderate level of computer anxiety. Based on the results, a required computer applications course with a hands-on testout option was recommended.