| This quantitative study was designed to examine the technology skill levels, the usage patterns for technology, and the preferences for technology of the students at sixteen community colleges. The population for this study consisted of a random sampling of all of the full time and part time students at all sixteen community colleges in the State of Maryland.;Many significant differences were found between the independent variables of age, gender, grade point average, course of study and urbanicity, and the dependent variables of technology skill level, usage patterns, and preferences for technology. Although no significant differences were found between age and the dependent variables (e.g., technology skill level, usage patterns, and preferences for technology), age and the use of technology were found to be negatively correlated. Several significant gender differences were also found. Male respondents were shown to use more technology and higher skill levels than female respondents. Pertaining to grade point averages, this study revealed many significant differences. The data shows that the higher the grade point average of the student, the higher the usage patterns were for technology. Students who self reported higher grade point averages also reported higher preferences for technology.;Significant differences were also found between course of study and self reported skill levels, and technology usage patterns. There was also a significant difference found regarding urbanicity, where students from suburban and rural community colleges self reported higher technology skill levels than the student respondents at urban institutions.;The findings from this study support much of the current literature on the Net Generation students, and the unique technology skill levels, usage patterns, and preferences for technology that they bring to higher education. These student technology characteristics when examined can assist leaders at community colleges in preparing future operational and pedagogical strategies for managing institutional transformation through technology. |
