Abstract: Computer literacy is crucial to survival in today’s world of rapidly increasing advances in information technology. Society is increasingly exposed to a wider variety of computer applications, beginning as early as elementary school in many cases. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of exposure to computers on computer literacy. Sources of exposure examined include high school, home, work, and college.

Students in an introductory computer course were given a survey to assess their perceptions of their own literacy. Responses were examined for differences due to such factors as breadth of computer exposure, years of computer experience, and sources of computer exposure. Findings indicate that basic computer skills are affected by breadth of experience and where experience is gained, whereas advanced skills are affected by breadth and years of experience. Home use has more effect on basic skills than do formal education sources, yet neither seem to increase advanced skills.

Keywords: Computer literacy, DPMA IS’90 model, Computer experience

Download this article: JISEv8n1p29.pdf

Recommended Citation: Jones, M. C., & Pearson, R. A. (1996). The Relationship Between Computer Literacy and Education: An Empirical Assessment. Journal of Information Systems Education, 8(1), 29-32.