Student Perceptions of Computer Skills Needed When Enrolled in Online Courses

T echnology changes have had a tremendous impact on our educational system. A National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 2003 report indicated that 89% of the public, four-year institutions offered dis­ tance education courses. Among these institutions offering distance education courses, 87% are offering asynchronous Internet courses. Since the World Wide Web has emerged as a medium for teaching and learning, the development of online courses or Web-based courses has opened up new opportunities that educators can use to meet various learning needs. For students, the Web has created more opportunities to learn new knowledge and skills that will help them advance in their careers and prepare for lifelong learning. With the fast-growing use of the Web for course delivery in higher education, researchers have examined various aspects of online learning, such as delivery, interac­ tion, feedback, collaboration, discussion, and assessment. Most of the studies have focused on faculty issues and per­ spectives, including computer or technical competencies needed, implementation or evaluation of online courses, or other competencies-online communication skills, content expertise, and personal characteristics (Salmon, 2000). Few studies have focused on whether students en­ rolled in online courses have the necessary computer skills needed for the online learning environment (Robertson & Stanforth, 1999). Sherron and Boettcher ( 1997) indicated that students appeared to be ready for Web-based instruction, based on their general use of computers. Nasseh (as cited in Robertson & Stanforth, 1999) found that the major­ ity of students in their study indicated they were successful in the operation of the applications and tools (e.g., e-mail) necessary to participate and complete their online course. However, the instructors of the courses indicated that the students were not competent in the operation of computers at the necessary levels. Bates (1997) concluded there is a lack of research suggesting whether students are acquir­ ing the skills necessary to fully participate in Web-based courses. Because providing online courses has become an important role for many universities, there is a need to begin to assess students' perspectives, including their attitude toward Web-based instruction and the level of computer competencies they feel they need to be successful. Robertson and Stanforth (1999) said, "One of the newest concerns about Web-based distance education is the level and type of technical skills needed by teachers and students who participate in computer-based education" (p. 61). If students can be comfortable with the technical delivery system and proficient at some of the computer competencies/skills, their comfort level online would be increased and so would their performance and learning effectiveness (Huang, 2002). The purpose of this study was to identify computer competencies that students perceived as important when taking online courses. The identification of needed com­ puter competencies will assist students considering online learning opportunities. In order to help students have a