Computer competency and anxiety of students entering a college of agriculture

Students enrolled in AGED 1011 - Agriculture Freshman Orientation (n = 108) during the fall 1997 semester at the University of Arkansas were assessed to determine their computer skills and level of computer anxiety. While mos t entering students reported previous computer coursework, scores on the Co mputer Skills Inventory (CSI) were low, both overall and for each sub-test area of general knowledge, Internet use, word processing, file management, spreadsheets, and BASIC programming. Overall, the students in AGED 1011 had only a moderate level of computer anxiety. Based on the results, a require d computer applications course with a hands-on test-out option was recommen ded.