Measuring College Students’ Technology Selfefficacy

The pervasiveness of computer technology and continuing developments in software, multimedia, and Internet resources have led to the implementation of new teaching and learning methods. Educators committed to the integration of technology into the learning process believe it will expand learning and better prepare students to participate effectively in today’s workplace. Employers demand workers who can not only use technology to complete a variety of work tasks and processes but who can leverage technology to advance the firm’s strategic operations. While many students perceive themselves to be computer competent, research indicates that their preparation is not always complete or adequate. Computer self-efficacy (CSE) refers to individuals’ judgment of their capabilities to use computers in diverse situations (Marakas, Mun, & Johnson, 1998). CSE has been shown to influence an individual’s choice to engage in a technology task and the effort expended to accomplish it (Bouffard-Bourchard, 1990). Researchers have postulated that positive attitudes toward computers, high computer self-efficacy, and low computer anxiety levels can be important factors in helping students learn computer skills and use computers

An Examination of College Students’ Computer Self-Efficacy as Related to Various Demographic Characteristics

Despite extensive computer exposure, today’s students vary in their judgments of their capabilities in using technology, referred to as computer self-efficacy (CSE). A survey of university students revealed highest CSE in word processing skills followed closely by file management and presentation skills. Students reported moderate ability levels in spreadsheet skills and less than moderate skill levels in database management, webpage design, and computer programming. Females tended to report higher CSE in file management and word processing applications, whereas males indicated higher CSE in web page development. Students whose parents did not attend college were likely to have lower CSE in spreadsheet applications, presentation software, and database applications as compared to students whose parents attended college

YouTube Video Project: A Cool Way to Learn Communication Ethics

The millennial generation embraces new technologies as a natural way of accessing and exchanging information, staying connected, and having fun. YouTube, a video-sharing site that allows users to upload, view, and share video clips, is among the latest “cool” technologies for enjoying quick laughs, employing a wide variety of corporate activities, and also communicating relevant, engaging instructional content for today’s students. This article describes a YouTube video class project that is a natural fit with today’s students because it involves cutting-edge social media while addressing a critical component of professional development—communication ethics. This project encourages critical thinking, creativity, and applied learning in a team environment using a “cool” new media tool

Navigating Change: Employee Communication in Times of Instability

Employees often perceive periods of change—no matter how warranted or beneficial—as crises, exhibiting both cognitive and emotional reactions including feelings of insecurity and uncertainty, even fear, chaos, stress, betrayal, grief, and anger. Management must have a clear strategy for communicating with employees through change, as employee expectations for open and honest communication are increased in times of shift and uncertainty. Open, honest, and regular communication is essential to keeping employees motivated and productive. Benefits of effective communication in times of change include higher employee satisfaction and engagement, lower turnover, and stronger long-term commitment. Solid internal relationships also strengthen ethics-related outcomes such as fraud reduction and reputation management

Persuasive Appeal for Clean Language

The article notes that one way to expose students to the problems associated with profanity is to tie the exploration and discussion of the issue to the persuasive writing assignment that is common in many undergraduate business communication courses. It presents a discussion of such an assignmen

Building High-Performance Teams

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Concept, Content, Construction, and Contingencies: Getting the Horse before the PowerPoint Cart

The phrase death by PowerPoint was not born in the offices of Microsoft\u27s competitors; it came straight from the hearts of victimized meeting attendees. Microsoft estimates that at least 30 million PowerPoint presentations are made daily, with many rightfully warranting death verdict assessment. Death sentences often result from a construction mentality that focuses solely on the PowerPoint design activity and ignores the need to conceptualize, build content, and plan for contingencies. In this article, the authors discuss four elements that should be considered when developing and delivering PowerPoint presentations. These considerations include: concept, content, construction, and contingencies

Managing Virtual Teams, Second Edition

Virtual teams are an integral part of today\u27s global business environment. Traditional face-to-face communication is frequently replaced with technology-mediated communication methods including phone, e-mail, fax, synchronous chat programs, and videoconferencing. While virtual teams offer various advantages to organizations and individuals in flexibility and the ability to overcome geographic distance, they face unique challenges. Virtual teams often are made up of members of various cultures and ages with diverse communication styles. Men and women also tend to behave differently in virtual environments. Challenges occur in the forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning phases of team development, and virtual teams must be able to cope effectively with those obstacles if they are to be successful and reach their potential. Team participants should be selected carefully for various personal characteristics that help ensure success and be trained in how to be effective virtual team members. Various team strategies can be implemented to improve effectiveness and satisfaction of virtual team members

Managing Virtual Teams

Virtual teams are an integral part of today\u27s global business environment. Traditional face-to-face communication is frequently replaced with technology-mediated communication methods including phone, e-mail, fax, synchronous chat programs, and videoconferencing. While virtual teams offer various advantages to organizations and individuals in flexibility and the ability to overcome geographic distance, they face unique challenges. Virtual teams often are made up of members of various cultures and ages with diverse communication styles. Men and women also tend to behave differently in virtual environments. Challenges occur in the forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning phases of team development, and virtual teams must be able to cope effectively with those obstacles if they are to be successful and reach their potential. Team participants should be selected carefully for various personal characteristics that help ensure success and be trained in how to be effective virtual team members. Various team strategies can be implemented to improve effectiveness and satisfaction of virtual team members