In pursuit of computer literacy in health management education

Computer literacy skills are essential tools students must possess to do well in computer-related and quantitative courses, and to be effective health managers. Many health management education programs are faced with the challenge of finding an ideal framework for teaching computer literacy courses. Recently, Austin and Malec (1990) proposed an instructional method for teaching computer literacy. This method was used for three consecutive semesters to teach the computer literacy course offered at Sangamon State University. A case analysis technique was utilized to assess of the effectiveness of this method. A pre-test and post-test design was used in the study. Post-test scores were found to be significantly higher than pre-test scores. Improvements in students' attitudes toward computers were noticed in the areas pertaining to how they view their competency levels. Overall, the data for this study suggest that this instructional method is effective for teaching computer literacy to adult students who have had limited exposure to computers.