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Sabra Brock, Amy Lui, and Nancy Sardone

The Quest for a Researchable Problem Collaborative Use and Application of a Shared Online Bibliography and Database Manager. New York University Doctoral Students. Sabra Brock, Amy Lui, and Nancy Sardone. February 22, 2003. OSRA Conference. Our Questions.

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Sabra Brock, Amy Lui, and Nancy Sardone

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  1. The Quest for a Researchable Problem Collaborative Use and Application of a Shared Online Bibliography and Database Manager New York University Doctoral Students Sabra Brock, Amy Lui, and Nancy Sardone February 22, 2003 OSRA Conference

  2. Our Questions • What factors impact how college business students learn basic computing skills? • How are 25 top U.S. business schools teaching basic computing skills?

  3. Our Approach • Search literature for empirical studies on the acquisition of basic computing skills • Search top 25 undergraduate business schools’ web sites for Intro to Computing courses • Build collaborative database using new web-based bibliographic software RefWorks™ • Discuss/reflect on findings for possible researchable problem

  4. Variables in Learning Computing • Student preparedness • Student attitudes toward computers • Student demographics • Faculty attitudes toward computers • Instructional match of teaching styles to learning styles

  5. Student Preparedness • Predictors of computer literacy • Prior classes • Computer ownership • Barriers • Inconsistent standards for high school courses • Not all high schools offer computer courses • Gap in what university faculty think they know about student computer literacy and the actuality Is this a researchable problem?

  6. Student Computer Attitude • Anxiety levelshigh yet… • Positive view of computer technology

  7. Student Demographics • Early positive predictors of male and youth • Background of math or technology somewhat predicts computer use and success • Gender studies and age studies now show mixed results • Diminishing in predictive value

  8. Faculty Computer Attitude • Incorporating technology role change for faculty • Technology-enriched classrooms often become student-centered (control issue) • Many see as superfluous to own discipline • Course management tools - only 20% use, 80% have access • 33% do not communicate with students via e-mail • Most teacher-training programs do not incorporate how to apply technology in the classroom

  9. Instructional Styles vs. Learning Styles • Learning preference for Concrete and Sequential predicts Intro to Computing completion and success • Learning preference for Abstract and Randombarrier in typical Intro to Computing instructional format that lacks environment rich in people and stimuli Is this a researchable problem?

  10. Undergraduate Business-School Curricula • Of the top 25 schools: • 80% offer Intro to Computing for credit • 20% do not offer for credit courses; expecting freshmen to enter with basic computing skills or obtain skills on their own • Community College courses • Testing out arrangements made at universities • Computer Training Centers (CTC) on campus (no fee) Is this a researchable problem?

  11. Research Thoughts • Need more articulation between high schools and universities in computer curricula and applications • Need University professors to incorporate varied teaching styles, including use of technology to match students’ preferred learning styles

  12. Tools Used • Productivity Software • Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Email (roughly 65 received) • American Psychological Association (APA) • 5th Edition Manual • Face-to-Face Class Time • Online Journal Databases • American Search Premier, EBSCO, ProQuest • Phone Interviews • RefWorks™ • Online Bibliographic Database • Professorial Guidance

  13. RefWorks™ • Bibliography and database manager • Allows users to create their own personal database by importing references from text files or online databases • Ubiquitous access (web-based) • Simulated Experience

  14. Refworks™ Conclusions • Pros: • Concept of real-time availability a bonus • Web-based • Sort and filter feature a major plus • Useful for collaboration • Cons: • Somewhat non-intuitive • User interface could provide more instructions • Time limitations a hindrance • Possible question of information security while document resides on RefWorks™ server

  15. Reflections on the OverallLearning Process • Authentic activity focused research techniques and use of associated tools • Collaboration leveraged individual strengths • Refworks™ software useful but with complications • Struggled with depth vs. breadth in literature search, e.g. when to stop • Generalizable to other beginning doctoral students?

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