Problem #4 - Students' Lack of Computer Skills One of the skill development areas explicitly addressed in the statement of course objectives deals with computer skills. The objective is to assist students in becoming more adept in the use of computers by engaging them in frequent computer applications in business, accounting, and economic decision-making activities. In line with this objective, numerous homework assignments have been created that require students to use a computer spreadsheet in preparing a solution. During the first semester in which we used the new instructional materials, we found that students lacked basic computer application skills that would allow them to successfully complete the computer spreadsheet homework assignments. Solution to Problem #4 Ideally, the university would require students to become computer literate very early on in their undergraduate programs. Since such a requirement has not yet been put in place, the project team launched the following initiatives to assist students in improving their computer skills: Created a "Computer Spreadsheet" handout that provides instructions on setting up, moving around, creating formulas, printing, saving and other basics involved in using a computer spreadsheet (Excel). Established a one-credit course (optional enrollment - pass, no credit) for students who wanted to complete an additional set of simple spreadsheet exercises in order to improve their proficiency. (Note: although this one-credit course is optional, a computer proficiency test is administered early on in the semester to provide a signal to students to seek additional help.) Established a mentor program which, among other things, provides students with access to senior accounting majors who are available in a computer lab to assist introductory accounting students in completing their spreadsheet assignments. As a result of these initiatives, instructors teaching the second semester of introductory accounting are finding that the computer spreadsheet skills of recently entering students have significantly improved compared to students entering in earlier semesters. In addition, acquisition of spreadsheet skills and use of computers in completing all writing assignments generally has been well-received by students. [ Previous | Next ] Home | Overview | Introduction | Motivation for Change Structure of the New Courses | Obstacles | Resources | Outcome Measures Reaction of Interested Parties | Recommendations for Interested Parties | Links | Index