University Students' Perceptions of Computer Technology Experiences: Questionaire Results and Analysis

Abstract

On the basis of a survey as a research method (from designing surveys to reporting on surveys), the author examined students’ perceptions of computers and information technology (IT). In fall 2005, a survey questionnaire was administered to students enrolled in education courses at a university in the western Pacific. Attention was given to four variables—gender, ethnicity, academic status and age. A Likert-scale instrument was designed for data collection. Overall, students of this sample (N = 174) had positive perceptions toward using computer technology. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses indicated, however, that none of the four variables were statistically significant. There were no gender, ethnicity, academic status and age differences in perceptions of technology experiences for this sample. Qualitative data (students’ essays on the use of technology) were also analyzed to support quantitative data. Implications for practice were discussed, future trends were identified and recommendations were made for further research.