Students and computers: literacy, access, and standardization

During the past three semesters, course materials for a lower division undergraduate technology course have been placed on the campus computer network and Internet. The impetus for this is to create a paperless course, with materials and assignments accessed and submitted electronically. Due to problems with access, skill levels and software compatibility during the first semester, students enrolled in subsequent classes begin by responding to a survey that determines their skill levels in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, computer aided drafting (CAD), email and Internet applications. The survey also identifies where they use computers, whether they have one at home, and what software is being used.