F.J. Ogwu, E.N. Ogwu, and O.T. Eyitayo (Botswana)
Computer Skills, Fresh Undergraduate Students, Information Computer Technology, Proficiency, Readiness
With innovations, web-based online learning is becoming increasingly important. This study therefore determined the entry computer proficiency level of fresh undergraduate students of the University of Botswana (UB) in order to restructure the computer curriculum under General Education Courses (GEC) for effective learning. A total of 2370 First year students from six Faculties were used. At the beginning of the course, the students completed a questionnaire designed to measure computer readiness and computer proficiency in various skills. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics based on SPSS version 17. Result showed that students’ readiness while entering UB significantly correlated (r = -.295, n =2368 p = .000) inversely with their proficiency in Information Computer Technology (ICT). This shows that many students had no prior knowledge in ICT before entering UB but as they progressed in their academic pursuit, the rate of knowledge acquired in ICT increases. Although as proficiency in ICT increases, it was more in skills like basic Microsoft word, Computer operations and E-mails than others. ICT usage has generally remained low. This has implications to students’ research, library search, e-learning, conferencing, assignments, interactions and future learning in and outside the university arena. Based on this, recommendations were made to the school authority for rein enforcing the ICT curriculum.
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