Institute/Session Summary:

Computer skills have become an integral part of academic life, from writing papers to participating in online classes and everything in between. However, even though student skill levels are often assessed in reading, writing and math, it is often assumed that students come to college with appropriate computer skills and can self-assess whether or not a computer class is necessary.

Literature specific to the accuracy of student self-assessment regarding computer skills is brief, and the most relevant studies were conducted using paper-and-pencil for assessing the computer skills—students’ actual skills were evaluated based on ability to correctly choose the answer from four choices, of which one was “I don’t know.” One other relevant study was conducted in such a method as the students were told in advance precisely what skills were to be assessed, giving the opportunity to practice skills before the assessment.

The ability of students to self-assess skills in academic areas has been studied in depth for decades, and a large body of research exists. The common thread throughout is that when a student is new to a subject, over-assessment tends to occur.  Conversely, the more experienced a student is within a subject, under-assessment often occurs.

An in-depth literature review is available, along with references, and can be included as a presentation handout or be made available via e-mail to interested parties.

A study was conducted at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington, examining the accuracy of student self-assessments of computer skills when compared to actual computer performance using the Accuplacer CSP. 

Results of this study will be presented and discussed in an informal atmosphere, using a combination of lecture, discussion, and some participant activities.  One example of a potential activity would be to have participants self-assess their own computer skills in a specific area, giving a few sample questions and having participants arrive at a conclusion as to the accuracy of his or her self assessment.

Session participants will gain an understanding of the ability of community college students to accurately self-assess computer skills, and learn about the need for more research in this area in order to adequately the technology learning needs of college students. Handouts of the research data and presentation slides will be available to participants, along with the self-assessment survey and scripts using during the survey.

Presenter1 Name: Louise Lien
Presenter1 Institution: Everett Community College
Presenter1 Bio: Louise Lien teaches computer literacy and computer science classes at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington.  After spending over 25 years working in the computer field and too many years traveling as a software consultant and corporate trainer, Louise started teaching full time in 2000; since that time she has completed her master’s in adult education at Western Washington University and is currently completing her doctorate in education at Seattle University.