Assessing computer literacy and achievement using self-concepts

The Computer Development Self-Appraisal Survey (CDS) was developed to measure computer literacy, knowledge and competency. The CDS scales have high reliability and differential validity. This report summarizes the results of assessing the computer backgrounds and achievements of over a thousand 1996 Purdue first year engineering students who completed the CDS at the beginning and end of their first college computer course. Highly significant gains were observed on all of the CDS computer scales. In-depth analysis of item data document significant gains not only in content related to the courses completed, but also general gains in computer literacy not so related. The report also reflects some significant gender differences, but only minor geographic and ethnic differences.