Identifying Computing Technology Proficiencies and Deficiencies in Incoming Freshmen at a Rural Wisconsin High School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research the need for computer training with high school students and to attempt to prove or disprove the theory that students today can adopt to technology so quickly that they do not need classroom instruction. The researcher utilized a quantitative research method to determine student familiarity with the applications that are most used at the high school level. A 30-question survey was given to all of the 9th grade students at West Salem High School in September of 2015. Eighty-seven percent of the Class of 2019 took the survey, 48% were male and 52% female. All of the students were between the ages of 14 and 15 and over 95% of the students were classified as white. Word processing, electronic mail, spreadsheets, movie making, file management and internet safety were the key areas studied. The study revealed that the majority of students entering the high school already possessed the identified technology skills required for use in the classroom. Spreadsheets, certain areas of file management, and advanced movie making skills were identified as areas of deficiency.