Computer Access, Usage, and Literacy of Undergraduates in the Agricultural Sciences

As the use of information technology to deliver agricultural science education increases, particularly in higher education, educators must examine factors that affect student access to and use of the technology. This study examined computer access, usage, and perceived computer literacy among undergraduates. Student computer access. usage, and literacy impact a host of higher education issues. including curriculum planning, infrastructure support, and educational equity. The population included 142 students enrolled in a freshmen seminar in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The findings indicated that the majority of students owned a computer (57%), almost 25% more than the national average. Owners overwhelmingly accessed the Internet through a university connection and reported being more computer literate than non-owners. Students from farm, rural-nonfarm, or suburban backgrounds were more likely to be computer owners than were urban students. Lack of access to a computer in computer labs was the most cited computer problem causing frustration.