The Relationship between Digital Divide and Computer Anxiety in University Students

Subject Areas : Infomartion Technology

Reza Yousefi ¹ , Soraya Mohseni ²

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Received: 2012-04-29 Accepted : 2012-06-09 Published : 2012-04-01

Keywords: Internet, Digital divide, computer anxiety, information and communications technology,

Abstract :

The purpose of the research was to study the relationship between digital divide and computer anxiety in university students. The research method was a descriptive-correlation one. Statistical sample included 373 university students at both B.A. and M.A. levels in Sari Islamic Azad University selected from human science, technical, engineering and medical science majors. Sampling was done in a random-classified way. Two questionnaires were used for gathering the data, one for measuring digital divide and the other was used to assess the amount of computer anxiety. Data analysis was done through SPSS software along with statistical methods such as Pearson correlation coefficient, two independent groups t-test, Variance analysis, Duncan’s Post Hoc test, and Regression. Results showed that there was a significant reverse relationship between computer anxiety and the availability of information and communication technology, skill in using internet and computer, the amount of using internet and computer and attitude toward internet. Digital divide was different among various groups of students depending on their gender and major, but no difference was observed based on their age and educational level. In addition, digital divide had the predictive power over computer anxiety.