Abstract

Computers have become a part of every area of human life, and are often used in the field of education. Becoming self-confident with regard to computer use can therefore make individuals’ lives particularly the lives of university students substantially easier. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the computer self-efficacy belief (CSEB) level of students in the School of Physical Education and Sports and to determine whether there is a significant relationship between students’ grades in computer courses and their demographic characteristics, including age, gender, region of origin, and place of residence. The study participants include 127 students enrolled in the School of Physical Education and Sports. Of these students, 57.5% (n:73) were male (mean age: 20.06 ± 1.59 yrs), and 42.5% (n:54) were female (mean age: 19.90 ± 1.62 yrs). Data were collected using a questionnaire and measured according to a CSEB scale. Participants' grades in their computer courses were obtained from the school’s computer instructor. The study participants were found to have different CSEB levels depending on their demographic characteristics. The CSEB levels of women were found to be higher than those of men (p < 0.05); in other words, women were more self-confident than men with regard to computer use. In addition, there was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between CSEB levels and students’ regions of origin; students from the Central Anatolian region had the highest CSEB values. The higher CSEB levels of students from the Central Anatolian region may be explained by the fact that this region provides more computer and Internet facilities to its residents. We also found a positive correlation between students' CSEB levels and their grades in computer courses.

Key words: Computers, computer self-efficacy, students of physical education.