Computer Anxiety, Computer Self-Efficacy and Attitudes towards the Internet of First Year Students at a South African University of Technology

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Computer Anxiety, Computer Self-Efficacy and Attitudes towards the Internet of First Year Students at a South African University of Technology
Language: English
Authors: Schlebusch, Carlie L. (ORCID 0000-0002-2735-4226)
Source: Africa Education Review. 2018 15(3):72-90.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Freshmen, Computer Attitudes, Anxiety, Self Efficacy, Internet, Computer Literacy, Gender Differences, Attitude Measures, Computer Use
Geographic Terms: South Africa
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Computer Anxiety Scale
DOI: 10.1080/18146627.2017.1341291
ISSN: 1814-6627
Abstract: Notwithstanding the benefits that information and communications technology (ICT) offers to learning processes, the majority of learners in rural and township areas in South Africa either do not have access to computers and the internet, or they lack sufficient skills to exploit the benefits of ICT. This lack of skills and access to computers may lead to computer anxiety and low computer self-efficacy among undergraduates entering higher education. Low computer anxiety and high computer self-efficacy levels are important factors in assisting students to be academically successful in the present technological era. This article reports on a study that assessed the computer anxiety, computer self-efficacy and attitude towards the internet among first year students at a South African university of technology. Data collection was done through a five section survey. The research revealed that students suffer from moderate computer anxiety; they have a moderate compute self-efficacy; and their attitude towards the internet is positive. The results, research contributions, and limitations are discussed, and implications for future studies are suggested.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 44
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1187209
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Notwithstanding the benefits that information and communications technology (ICT) offers to learning processes, the majority of learners in rural and township areas in South Africa either do not have access to computers and the internet, or they lack sufficient skills to exploit the benefits of ICT. This lack of skills and access to computers may lead to computer anxiety and low computer self-efficacy among undergraduates entering higher education. Low computer anxiety and high computer self-efficacy levels are important factors in assisting students to be academically successful in the present technological era. This article reports on a study that assessed the computer anxiety, computer self-efficacy and attitude towards the internet among first year students at a South African university of technology. Data collection was done through a five section survey. The research revealed that students suffer from moderate computer anxiety; they have a moderate compute self-efficacy; and their attitude towards the internet is positive. The results, research contributions, and limitations are discussed, and implications for future studies are suggested.
ISSN:1814-6627
DOI:10.1080/18146627.2017.1341291