This study examined the relationship between various socio-demographic and adult learning factors, and the acquisition of personal computer competency. Concerns addressed were the lack of a general computer competency inventory, and the relationship of the acquisition of personal computer competency to the following: self-directed versus formal organized adult learning, personal characteristics, reasons expressed for desiring competency, obstacles encountered, and resources used in gaining such competency. / Fifteen null hypotheses were formulated, and two instruments were constructed: the Bersch/Barrett Personal Computer Competency Inventory (PCCI) for estimating an individual's general level of personal computer competency; and survey questionnaire, for eliciting socio-demographic and adult learning data. Subjects included adults throughout Alaska known to have purchased Apple computers in a 12-month period during 1986-87. / Self-reported levels of competency coincided closely with individual scores from the inventory. Significant associations were found between competencies acquired and (a) male gender; (b) length of ownership and use; (c) computer cost (barrier); (d) reading materials, trial and error, and user groups/networks (resources). Ownership showed a male bias of 2-1. Cost and time were the two largest problems for adults learning to use computers. Self-directed learning was the dominant means through which the majority of participants acquired computer competency. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-12, Section: A, page: 3989. / Major Professor: Sydney Grant. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1990.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_78336 |
| Contributors | Bersch, Gretchen T., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 212 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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