2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

As computers are becoming more and more significant in today's society, everyone needs to be computer literate. Knowing computer literacy is important for many reasons, such as operating computers and computer applications, keeping up with technological changes, broadening avenues for employment, problem-solving, and enhancing communication. This research investigated whether and how gender, age, working hours per week, and attitudes toward computer usage impact student achievement in computer Literacy courses. A non-experimental quantitative design was used to statistically collect and analyze data from classes of Intro to Computer Technology and classes of Micro Computer Applications in Business during Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 terms. Statistical methods used in data analysis included descriptive methods, Pearson Chi-square test, and Binary Logistic regression analysis. The results demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between students’ attitudes toward computer usage and students’ achievements in Computer Literacy courses. A higher attitude towards computer usage was correlated with higher passing grades in Computer Literacy courses. However, no statistically significant difference was found in students’ achievements in Computer Literacy courses by age, gender, or by working hours per week. The result of the attitude also shows the odds ratio of passing the Computer Literacy course is 1.034 times higher than those failing the Computer Literacy course. Computer literacy in education appears to have a positive effect on students' success in college, future employment, and 21st-century living. The research provided suggestions and implications that would add to the repository of knowledge in the domain of education management. Sharing the research’s findings with educators can help students achieve in Computer Literacy courses. The recommendations for future research are addressed in this paper to provide a deeper understanding based on the findings of the study for further guiding how to assist students in mastering their Computer Literacy courses.

Research in this study is partially supported by NSF Project #1915520: Enhancing Additive Manufacturing Education with Virtual Reality and Cybersecurity and NSF Project #2012087: Collaborative Research: LIGO SEC Partnership Strengthening Communities of Learners.