A computer attitude scale for computer science freshmen and its educational implications

• Published in: Journal of computer assisted learning Vol. 21; no. 5; pp. 330 - 342
• Main Authors: Palaigeorgiou, G.E., Siozos, P.D., Konstantakis, N.I., Tsoukalas, I.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.10.2005; Blackwell Publishing; Blackwell Science; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Anxiety; Applied psychology; Biological and medical sciences; Classroom Techniques; College Freshmen; Computer Attitude Scale; Computer Attitudes; computer experience; Computer Science; computer science freshmen; Computer Uses in Education; Educational Environment; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gender differences; Knowledge Level; Measures (Individuals); Miscellaneous; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Student Attitudes; survey; Undergraduate Students; Human; Survey; Attitude; computer experience; Attitude scale; Sex; Computer; computer attitude scale; computer science freshmen; gender differences
• ISSN: 0266-4909; 1365-2729
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2729.2005.00137.x

The successful integration of computers in educational environments depends, to a great extent, on students' attitudes towards them. Widely used computer attitude scales (CASs) focus on the beliefs of typical computer users and do not reveal the more refined attitudes of groups that use computers extensively and develop unique relations with them. This study presents the development and validation of a CAS especially designed for computer science freshmen (CASF). The scale consists of five factors, namely, self‐confidence in previous knowledge, hardware usage anxiety, computer engagement, fears of long‐lasting negative consequences of computer use and evaluation of positive consequences of computers in personal and social life. Using an analytic computer experience construct, the scale's components were related to multiple aspects of students' computer experience. CASF responses can inform a variety of instructional decisions and classroom management strategies for the first phase of the students' studies.