Attitudes of Iowa Cooperative Extension Service personnel toward microcomputer technology

Abstract

<p>This descriptive study was designed to ascertain the attitudes of Iowa Cooperative Extension Service personnel toward the use of microcomputers and determine the training needs of Extension personnel in microcomputer technology. The study, which was sponsored by Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station Project 2617, used a questionnaire designed for Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station Project 2514. Hypotheses relating to differences in the attitudes of Extension personnel toward the use of microcomputers in Extension work and in perceived training needs when grouped by level of assignment, program area, and selected demographic groups were tested;Subjects for the study were all professional Iowa Cooperative Extension Service personnel at the area and county levels. The return rate was 87.7 percent;Mean scale scores were computed for the total sample and subgroups. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and t-tests were performed on the attitude scales. Chi-square analyses were performed on perceived training need data. A multiple regression analysis for predictability was completed;Means indicated a positive attitude and homogeneity towards microcomputer technology by all groups tested. Attitudes could not be predicted using the indicated groupings. The preferred type of microcomputer training was in using specific programs and the preferred form was in-service education;Implications for this study are: (1) the homogeneity of Iowa Cooperative Extension Service personnel will allow microcomputer education to be planned for a broad cross-section, county and area levels; and (2) more study is needed to determine microcomputer competencies necessary for Extension work.</p>