Measuring Microcomputer Literacy

Abstract

This article discusses the results of an on-going research study to measure microcomputer literacy. College students are surveyed about their previously acquired microcomputer literacy before taking a microcomputer course. The objective of the survey is to determine if students have enough preparation for an enriched course. The study, the methodology, and a detailed comparative analysis of results from fifty-four student cases divided between the 1985 and 1986 school years are discussed. A microcomputer literacy index is developed to measure average student literacy, to compare literacy from one class year to another, and to rank students in order of literacy. Implications for broader applications of the method used are discussed.