Clark, A. C., & Wiebe, E. N. (in press) Comparing Computer Usage by Students in Education Programs to Technology Education Majors. Journal of Technology Education

Comparing Computer Usage by Students in Education Programs to Technology Education Majors 

Abstract

In the Fall of 1999, the College of Education and Psychology at NC State University undertook a study of its majors to gain an accurate "snapshot" of many issues surrounding the use of computers and information technology as teacher education continues to grow into the 21st century.  Specifically, the researchers were interested in how students use computers in leisure, work (paid), and school related activities.  The survey instrument asked specific questions about computer applications for the following areas: Internet (WWW), e-mail, word-processing, database/spreadsheets, presentation graphics, technical graphics (CAD), and statistical analysis.  The study analyzed how students were using computers as an information technology source and perceived notions about how students spend their time on the computer. The researchers hope that this study will help provide a template for other institutions with teacher education programs, and especially technology education programs, plan their future computing needs and understand the role that information technology is playing in all disciplines related to teacher education.