Changing Computer Skills of Incoming Undergraduate Business Majors

Abstract

The research assesses the changing computer skills of incoming business students at the undergraduate level between the years 1990 and 1996. It was found that significant improvements have taken place in almost all areas of computing skills over a six-year time period. These skills pertain to word processing, database, and spreadsheets as well as computer hardware basics. There is one area where students' knowledge has reduced over time. This area is computer programming. More and more students are learning these skills at an early age and more of them have access to personal computers. A vast majority of students are familiar with current computing topics such as Internet and multi-media. The research revealed that Hispanics and Black students are somewhat disadvantaged as to their access to personal computers when compared with whites and Asian Americans. However, the study did not determine if computing skills are affected by the racial background of students. The present study has some significant impact on the content of the introductory information systems course that is taught in schools of business. As more and more students get access to personal computers at home, the pressure on schools of business to acquire state-of-the-art computer hardware and software may be decreased.