The correlation between student demographics and student attitude toward computer-assisted instruction

Computers are and have transformed nearly every aspect of contemporary society. The transformation is no less true in education. Computers are becoming a common tool for integrating classroom instruction and improving students' skills through the use of computer assisted-instruction (CAI). One factor determining the successful implementation of CAI is the users' attitudes about computers. The relationship between demographic characterisitcs of students in the military service environment and the students' computer-related attitudes and attitudes toward CAI were assess through a quantitative correlation study. The population consisted of 220 high school student attending Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) located outside of the United States. The results revealed no strong correlation between the mean scores of computer experience and attitudes toward CAI instruments. While the differences between male and female attitudes were not statistically significant, the results revealed a correlation between computer experience and a positive perception toward CAI. Recommended future studies include conducting similar research within other high school educational environments.