Perceptions of computer literacy among occupational therapy students

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Health Informatics
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Occupational therapist education curricula mandate technology content.
• Increasing integration of computer technology skills in occupational therapy practice.
• Need to assess student proficiency and attitudes towards computer technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current and desired computer technology skill levels among occupational therapy students.
• To understand student opinions regarding computer technology in occupational therapy.
• To inform curriculum development regarding technology integration.

Main Methods:

• Surveys (Computer Opinion Survey and Computer Knowledge Survey) administered to 109 junior and senior occupational therapy students.
• Data collected via program directors from five baccalaureate-level occupational therapy programs.
• Analysis of student responses regarding computer knowledge, attitudes, and prior coursework.

Main Results:

• Students generally hold positive attitudes towards computer technology.
• Desired computer technology knowledge significantly exceeds current knowledge levels.
• No significant correlation found between positive attitudes, current knowledge, and prior computer courses.

Conclusions:

• Students demonstrate general computer literacy but lack specific knowledge of technology applications in occupational therapy.
• Previous computer coursework does not appear to enhance specialized knowledge of computer technology in occupational therapy.
• A gap exists between generic computer literacy and its application to occupational therapy practice among students.