Undergraduate computer literacy. Evaluation and intervention.

Abstract

Undergraduate nursing students (juniors) entering an upper division nursing program were asked to rate their overall computer skill, ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation/graphics programs, and their ability to use the Internet and e-mail. Because of the number of students who rated themselves as not computer literate an intervention was planned. A graduate student, using a tutorial manual, worked with students for six 1.5-hour skill-enhancing sessions during their first semester. After the sessions students again rated their skill levels. An analysis of the before and after data showed a mean gain score of 5.5 points, with each skill showing a significant increase from the before to the after assessment.