Effects of Brief Computer Training on Attitudes toward Computer Use in Practice: An Educational Experiment

Abstract

The question of how best to introduce microcomputer technology into the regular social work curriculum is a difficult one. Although initial exposure and learning in context are pedagogically desirable, the prospect of adding more content to beginning practice courses is problematic. This article reports the results of an experiment designed to examine the effects of a minimal training intervention on master of social work degree students' interest in, use of, and attitudes toward computer use in social work practice. Two sections of Social Work Practice 1 taught by the same instructor were used. All students reported high interest, usage, receptivity, and ownership. At posttest and one-semester follow-up, nonsignificant differences were found between training and control sections on measures of use, interest, and attitude. Integration of microcomputer training across the social work practice curriculum is recommended.