Computer Literacy: Use IT or Lose it!

Abstract

Employers have raised their expectations of Business Management graduates in the area of computer literacy. As Business Schools attempt to provide an environment where students obtain expertise in using computer applications to solve business problems, questions about the success of such programs should be asked.  Are students retaining these computer application skills as they advance through their programs, or is there a gap between expectations and students' actual performance? This study will present an assessment of Business Management students at Utah Valley State College (UVSC) in the area of office suite computer skills. Findings from hands-on testing and surveys of students and local employers indicate that if students were skilled and confident in their computer skills at one time, by graduation, most students are sadly deficient and have nearly reverted back to their pre-training levels.