The effects of a computer-based training modality on the attitudes toward computers of industrial production personnel
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to the computer attitudes of industrial production personnel within the context of an industrial training environment. The study was conducted at two midwestern manufacturing facilities. All subjects were administered pre-study assessments to determine: demographic data, computer attitude, learning style, trait-anxiety, and knowledge of the instructional content. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a CBT or a text-based study group. Content knowledge quizzes and the CAS instrument were administered to all subjects midway through the study and again at the conclusion. Results of the study indicated that the Computer Attitude Scale (Loyd & Loyd, 1985) was a reliable instrument for the measurement of computer attitudes among industrial production personnel. Direct responses to questions concerning computer attitude were found to be positively correlated to the computer attitude subscales "computer confidence," "computer liking," and "computer usefulness," but not to the subscale "computer anxiety." Hands-on computer experience during the study did not enhance attitudes toward computers. Education level and previous computer experience were found to be positively correlated with computer attitude while age was found to be negatively correlated. Results relative to gender as a correlate were mixed. A lower level of trait-anxiety corresponded to a more positive computer attitude. Learning style was not identified as a correlate of computer attitude. A common prediction model for computer attitude was not identified for the two study sites. Among study participants in the CBT instructional group, those with a more positive computer attitude performed better on content knowledge quizzes. A comparison of academic performance between CBT and text-based groups yielded different results at the two study sites.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Lehman, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Curricula|Teaching|Inservice training|Educational software
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