This paper describes the approach of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to ensuring that all students have basic competence in computer use. It describes the development and implementation of the UTA computer proficiency examination. UTA students currently have two options. They may take the computer proficiency course designated in their…

Studied the relationship between test mode (paper and pencil or computerized with and without editorial control) and computer familiarity for 222 undergraduates. Results emphasize the importance of evaluating time constraints when converting exams from paper to computer delivery. (SLD)

Psychologists can gain insight into human behavior by examining what people feel about, know about, and do with, computers. Two extreme reactions to computers are computer phobia, or anxiety, and computer addiction, or "hacking". A four-part questionnaire was developed to measure computer anxiety. The first part is a projective technique which…

Reports on a study conducted to evaluate how individual differences in anxiety levels affect performance on computer versus paper-and-pencil forms of verbal sections of the Graduate Record Examination. Contrary to the research hypothesis, analysis of scores revealed that extroverted and less computer anxious subjects scored significantly lower on…

Developed a multidimensional measure of affect and cognition in relation to adult learning of computing skills, the Computer Anxiety and Learning Measure (CALM). Results from 794 Australian undergraduates support the validity and reliability of the CALM with this population, although whether the measure is invariant across different adult…

The objective of this study was to assess the degree to which the mode of administration of the computer-based Academic Skills Assessments of the "Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers" contributes to performance differences among test takers. Inexperienced or anxious computer users (Praxis pilot sample of 446…

Describes the development of a set of 16 diagnostic tests for computer literacy that would be appropriate for students from grade 5 through college. Objectives of the tests are identified, based on a content analysis of 22 computer literacy curriculum guides, and the need for additional developmental work is discussed. (LRW)

This report describes the procedures used to construct and validate the Standardized Test of Computer Literacy (STCL), a criterion-referenced instrument designed to assess students' computer literacy. Following a statement of the study problem and purpose, a description of the study methodology outlines the use of a 12-step model for development…

Instruments used in a study by M. B. Kinzie and M. A. Delacourt (1991), the Attitude towards Computer Technologies (ACT) and the Self-efficacy for Computer Technologies (SCT), assess preservice teachers' perceived usefulness of and comfort level with specific computer technologies. This study uses a population confirmed to be similar to that used…

This paper discusses the process through which a powerful multidimensional measure of affect and cognition in relation to adult learning of computing skills was derived from its early theoretical stages to its validation using structural equation modeling. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ensuring a strong substantive base from which to…

The development and validation of two instruments which measure attitudes and self-efficacy of teacher education students and practicing teachers toward computer use are described. One instrument--Attitudes toward Computer Technologies (ACT)--assesses perceived usefulness of and comfort/anxiety with computer technologies. The second…

A 32-item Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE) was developed to measure perceptions of capability regarding specific computer-related knowledge and skills. Bandura's theory of self-efficacy (1986) and Schunk's model of classroom learning (1985) guided the development of the CSE. Each of the skill-related items is preceded by the phrase "I feel…

Innovations, ETS's corporate magazine, provides information on educational assessment for educators, school leaders, researchers and policymakers around the world. Each issue of Innovations focuses on a particular theme in assessment. This issue reports on how new technologies in classrooms around the world are enhancing teaching, learning and…

This publication contains 22 refereed research papers, 4 refereed action research and classroom application papers, and 3 research training papers from a national conference on promoting excellence in research and teaching for business. The research papers are "Analysis of Executives' Written Documents" (Jennings, Vice); "Assessment…