Variables

Typing Experience

With the Shashaani study we can see that the subject of computer experience covers a wide range of factors when examining how it relates to CA. Another type of experience, however - typing experience (or keyboarding) - is mentioned very little in the literature as a variable when considering its relationship to computer anxiety. Hemby mentions opposing studies as to whether keyboarding skill has an impact on computer anxiety and notes further that “In fact, the use of new tecdhnologies for input – voice recognition software, scanners, etc. – may lead keyboarding skill to diminish in importance” (Hemby, 1999, p. 17). In the past, before computer technology revolutionized society, typing was only important to secretaries or to those in certain low-level occupations requiring typing ability.

At present, computer technology is found in education, business, and society. With the advent of the computer, the very youngest children as well as adults are being exposed to the computer and to typing or keyboarding. Even though manual dexterity in the very young may not be developed to the point where they can comfortably use the keyboard for word processing, they are using the computer for learning. There are in fact, "lap" programs available intended for use by the parent or the adult holding the child on a lap and interacting with the computer. As the child gets a little older, starting to use writing programs, typing ability becomes increasingly important.

Lack of typing ability brings consequences and stresses. Lack of typing experience slows down performance when the task requires word-processing or when there are time limits placed on the completion of a task. In addition, if the computer user becomes too comfortable with the "Bible" system (seek and ye shall find) or the "hunt and peck" system, keyboard dexterity may be slowed by bad habits which have become fossilized in the student, leading to stressful situations brought on by the lack of typing ability. Stress associated with computer use is further compounded in the computer anxious. The computer user is unable to "keep up" with the rest of the class in a teacher driven course which assumes that all participants know how to type. More and more university courses are requiring that papers be computer typed or that students have keyboarding experience. In those courses which do not require previous experience with computers, typing is nonetheless recognized as a plus. As noted in a course listing by IMLearn: "Students will be happier using a computer and taking college couses generally if, in the long run, they know how to type. Everyone will be happier if all students can participate in on-line discussion groups in a time-efficient manner" (IMLearn, T-003-60601, para.3) The "time-efficient" manner of keeping up with the rest of the class when typing ability is poor or non-existent may be the factor leading to additional stress and computer anxiety. In the business world, more and more publishers are requiring that submissions be computer typed and handed in on computer disks, also requiring typing ability. This ability that was not so important a few years ago, now assumes much great importance in all areas of education, business and society. In some circles, lack of typing ability, may even be equated with a deficiency in other areas, as suggested in a collection of business experiences found on the internet:

"In a previous job, my boss retired so they hired a retired mililtary officer who's resume said he had 25 years of computer and networking experience. . . I knew I was doomed when the first day on the job I walked into his office and he was typing with one finger and looking at the keyboard. To say the least, I found a better job real quickly, because I wasn't about to be bossed around by a discipline minded, know it all, who knew nothing" (nobody, 1995, para. 1)

Several computer programs have attempted to address the needs of the computer user who lacks typing ability, such as Mavis Beacon's typing program (Mindscape, 1996) which addresses the needs of learners of all ages. In addition to many other features all aimed at improving typing ability, this program has a "Frustration Noticed" option recommended for stress management whereby the typing student receives suggestions from time to time for the purpose of relieving stress. In this way, the learner becomes aware of the stress that may be building and receives suggestions on how to relieve or prevent it as well. Those individuals who, up until recently, have managed very well with the two-finger typing ability, now find that a few more of the fingers need to be pressed into service in order to keep up with technology. As noted in the Mavis Beacon internet page, "In a world where computers are now everywhere, typing has become a part of most of our lives. Knowing how to type fast and efficiently can allow you to spend more time on what you are doing instead of how to input the information" (Mindscape, 1996). Being able to spend more time on understanding and on input of information for the computer anxious can mean a more positive experience and a more positive or confident attitude towards computers.