Changes in Computer Anxiety in a Required Computer Course

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in computer anxiety, attitudes toward computers, and feelings related to computers among students after their participation in a basic course in computer science. The theoretical background is based on theories of human-computer interaction, test anxiety, and the resistance to change. The subjects were 29 education students in a basic computer science course at the University of Joensuu. They answered a questionnaire both at the beginning and end of the course. The results indicated that the computer science course reduced anxiety. Experience with computer equipment and the use of computers was also found to reduce anxiety. The course also had a positive effect on student attitudes toward new technology and on feelings related to computers. It reduced the fear of failure and the desire to escape.