What Computer Experience to Expect of Technical Writing Students Entering a Computer Classroom: The Case of Purdue Students

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1989

What Computer Experience to Expect of Technical Writing Students Entering a Computer Classroom: The Case of Purdue Students

Patricia Sullivan Purdue University West Lafayette

Abstract

Computers in technical writing classes are growing in popularity because professionals increasingly use computers for writing reports and because the computer can aid in producing more visually sophisticated documents. Yet, we do not know what computer experience students bring with them to the computer classroom, a lack of knowledge that makes the task of integrating the computers into the classroom more cumbersome. This article presents the results of a survey of Purdue University students' knowledge of, use of, and attitudes toward computers as they enter the technical writing class. It contrasts the technical students with upper division humanities students and draws conclusions about the documentation requirements and the appropriate computer use goals for the Purdue students surveyed. Finally, suggestions are made about how to use a survey of this type.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1989-01-01
DOI: 10.2190/fexh-hpl3-p8tk-18gw
Open Access: Closed
Topics: rhetorical theory technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

Flammia (1992)

A desktop publishing course: An alternative to internships for rural universities

Technical Communication Quarterly
Sullivan (1990)

Visual Markers for Navigating Instructional Texts

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (1)

Daly et al. (1975)

The Empirical Development of an Instrument to Measure Writing Apprehension

Research in the Teaching of English

Also cites 1 work outside this index ↓

10.1037/0003-066X.39.10.1123

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