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

<p>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.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Business

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Larson, Stephen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Peter Aiken
• Richard Redmond

• direct assessment
• indirect assessment
• software skills
• computer self-efficacy
• hands-on skill test
• Business

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/245

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1244