Abstract:

The increase of computer technology use in both our personal and professional lives, and particular during the last decade, has created an environment in which there are unpredictable perceptions of, and ideas about the value of Information and Communication Technology and computers. This study presents the finding of a survey that was conducted to determine attitudes of acquiring the computer skills among students.

The aim of this study was to investigate the First year diploma in Business and Information Management students' perception on the computer skill learned in Information Management and Technology one which is one of the major modules for this three year qualification.

The objectives of the was to investigate the difference in the perception of those students with previous computer training and those with no computer training. The second objective was to investigate the difference in the perception between male and female students towards acquiring computer training.

The target population were all first year students registered for the Diploma in Business and Information Management in the Department of Information and Corporate Management at the Durban University of Technology. The study used quantitative method and the technique of random sampling was chosen in this research, with a sample size of 100 participants drawn from the population. Questionnaires were designed with both closed-ended and some open-ended questions, and were personally administered to the participants.

A literature review was undertaken to investigate the contribution of other factors on the ability to achieve competence in computer skills. Based on the outcome of the literature review, in brief the study concluded that there was a significant difference between experienced and less experienced students in the perceived value of computers in the laboratory environment and their personal lives.

A students’ attitude toward, and acceptance of, training methods are important precursors to the success of any educational method, with in turn may be determined by factors such as individual learning style, type of technological tool available, learner’s general perception about using technological assistance, technological complexity for use.

The holistic analysis of the data showed that students generally used computers for word processing and general administrative purposes to develop themselves on practical side of the module. Majority of of Business and Information Management students were having a strong component of visual learning style, and therefore preferred interactive theory and practicals to aid in their learning. These students also demonstrated increased acceptance of Information Management and Technology One as measured in terms of their attitude, and perceived knowledge gain.

It is recommended that students should be taught the basic computer skills at the beginning of the year.

Keywords:

Perception, attitude, gender differences, computer laboratory, Information and Communication Technology