Evaluating multiple factors that can be used as skill predictors in software proficiency

In this ubiquitous computing society, most students are required to be proficient in computer skills to compete in today’s global job market. These computer skills usually include skills in business productivity applications. Assessing those skills is normally accomplished by hands-on skills exams,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Larson, Stephen
Format: Others
Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2011
Subjects:
Online Access:http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/245
http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1244&context=etd
Description
Summary:In this ubiquitous computing society, most students are required to be proficient in computer skills to compete in today’s global job market. These computer skills usually include skills in business productivity applications. Assessing those skills is normally accomplished by hands-on skills exams, which can become onerous and costly. This study explored whether a combination of a computer self-efficacy (CSE) survey, cognitive questions, and skill-based questions could indeed be a valid alternative to a hands-on skills exam. The findings of this study indicate some types of questions may be better predictors of performance on the hands-on skills exam, and some combinations of survey items and questions may be viable alternatives to hands-on skills exams. As a result of this research, schools and companies could adapt these indirect and direct assessments to their situation to perform their own study or assess the skills of their students/employees.