Abstract:

The possession or acquisition of a range of computer skills is an implicit assumption related to many undergraduate study programmes, and use of university computer facilities may impact on overall academic performance and employability beyond graduation. This study therefore tested levels of computer anxiety (CARS) and computer thoughts (CTS) in Turkish and United Kingdom undergraduates with reference to culture group difference, regularity of use (or home use) and use of university computer facilities. A substantial minority of students (32-33%) reported computer anxiety in both groups, but more UK (41%) than Turkish students (21%) were deficient in positive self-concept (CTS). Reference to the subscales in the two measures pinpointed cultural differences disguised at scale level, and gender differences were evident across rather than within culture groups. As expected, positive self-concept was associated with use of computer facilities (r’s = 0 to 0.25, p < .001), and anxiety was associated more weakly with avoidance (r’s = 0 to -0.18, p < .001). Results suggest that computer confidence (implying motivation and engagement) should not be assumed to exist in the agenda for wider participation. Also within and between group differences indicate that there is no typical or stereotypical student profile in approach to computer activity

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