| As the private sector integrates computers into job qualifications and as computers become common tools for production and entertainment, many educational institutions are adding computers into the educational equation. Some institutions are requiring students to own computers. Western Carolina University, a public comprehensive university, began requiring all in-coming freshmen to have a computer. During the first requirement year, freshmen were surveyed to see what events and experiences affected their attitudes toward computer technology.;The survey consisted of one open-ended question: What events and/or experiences affected your attitude toward computer technology? It was administered two times during this first year.;Responses to the survey were sorted, coded, and re-sorted based on three categories: positive, negative, and positive/negative. Themes and categories were developed from responses.;The three categories that emerged were academic, social, and technical. Observable differences in student attitudes were noted based on course section enrollment and were attributed to events/experiences within the academic category. Recommendations for institutions concerning computer technology use are included.;Recommendations for further study include replication of the survey with the entering 1998 freshman class during their senior year, 2001--02, replication of the survey with other entering freshmen classes at the university and at other universities (with and without ownership requirements), replication with concentration on course section comparisons, and replication within other contexts (larger/smaller institutions, graduate/undergraduate students, rural/urban institutions, private/public institutions). |
