Student perceptions of computer anxiety: The relationship of computer attitude, computer experience, age, gender, and socioeconomic status

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of age, gender, and socioeconomic status as related to student perceptions of computer anxiety, computer confidence, computer usefulness, computer usage, and computer attitudes. This study also investigated the relationship between computer usage and computer attitudes, as well as the relationship between computer attitudes and computer anxiety. The last analysis focused on determining if computer usage had a direct effect on computer attitudes. The research was conducted at USDSU, a Midwestern university consortium for lifelong learning in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Data collection included survey responses from 381 students described primarily as nontraditional.; Students were surveyed using a 40-question, 4-point Likert scale concerning their perceptions of computer anxiety, computer usefulness, computer liking, and computer confidence. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVAs, and MANOVA procedures were used to describe results.; Study findings showed that computer anxiety still existed despite the amount of computer experience an individual had; while overall computer attitudes were better when an individual had more experience. Findings also showed that females had more computer anxiety, liked computers less, and were less confident in their computer skills than were males. It was also found that the more computer anxiety one had the lower overall computer attitude scores one had. Lastly, findings indicated that despite the proliferation of technology which has resulted in increase technology access and use during the last several years, those over 36 had better overall computer attitudes than did those under age 25.; The researcher recommended introductory-level computer courses be made mandatory which will dissuade computer anxious students from avoiding computer classes and the computer. Additionally, the researcher recommended implementation of Chickering and Gamson's (1999) seven principles of practice in all courses. Administration of the Loyd and Gressard (1984a) Computer Attitude Survey could identify those students that are computer anxious so faculty could design and implement special measures to address the concerns of these students. Other recommendations included designing technology classes so they are manageable and account for individual learning curves and providing students a forum in which they can express concerns and fears.