Community Colleges in the Information Age: Gains Associated with Students' Use of Computer Technology

Abstract

Computer literacy is increasingly important in higher education, and many educational technology experts propose a more prominent integration of technology into pedagogy. Empirical evidence is needed to support these theories. This study examined community college students planning to transfer to 4-year universities and estimated the relationship between students' use of technology and their self-reported educational and technology gains. In doing so, this study provides valuable information for 4-year university and community college administrators, instructors, and students. Results indicate a significant relationship between students' use of technology for academic purposes and self-reported educational gains as well as technological gains. These results add support to claims of the need for a more symbiotic relationship between technology and pedagogy. Implications are discussed for how to better prepare community college students for successful transfer to 4-year institutions. Suggestions on how close the gap between high and low technology users are also discussed.

Data Mining for Education Decision Support: A Review

“…Results indicate a significant relationship between students use of technology for academic purposes and self-reported educational gains as well as technological gains. These results add support to claims of the need for a more symbiotic relationship between technology and pedagogy [3].…”

I Have to Take This Psychology Stuff with Research Too – Really?!

“…Strayhorn (2006) demonstrates a quantifiable affiliation between technology use and self-reported educational goals among four-year university students. Working off of Strayhorn's study, Anderson and Horn (2012) reveal a symbiotic relationship between community college students' use of technology for educational purposes and self-reported overall educational gains as well as their use of technology for academic purposes and self-reported computer and technology gains.…”

Integrating Technology in Qatar’s Higher Education Settings: What Helps Faculty Accomplish the Job

“…Technology integration in education is considered a powerful instructional tool that enhances students’ academic achievement (Anderson & Horn, 2012 ; Anthony et al, 2020 ; Safar & Alkhezzi, 2013 ; Stanley, 2013 ; Tang & Austin, 2009 ) and provides students with advanced educational experiences beyond the scope of traditional classrooms (Schindler et al, 2017 ; Wegner et al, 1999 ). To this point, many countries have developed educational policies that aim to create a skilled workforce ready to compete in a global economy by supporting the integration of technology into teaching and learning (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization [UNESCO], 2013 ).…”