Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter XVIII
Required Software
Proficiency in
General Education and
Business Courses
Linda Lynam
Central Missouri State University, USA
ABSTRACT
Approximately 1,100 students in a general education computer course at a Midwestern
state university with a technology focus were required to demonstrate competency in
Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® during the Fall 2001 and Spring 2002
semesters. The entrance requirement at the university requires a minimum of an ACT score
of 20 or in the upper two-thirds of their high school graduating class. Many students are
in the 20 to 23 range of ACT scores. A large portion of the students lack high school
experience in independent study and individual responsibility. Results of the project
indicate that students with little experience in self-responsibility can achieve at the
university level when required.
LITERATURE SEARCH
While a literature search found many instances of computer testing used in intelligence
testing, ability assessment in reading, writing, mathematics, and languages, no references
were found concerning mandatory productivity software assessment.
