Developing Information Technology Fluency in College Students: An Investigation of Learning Environments and Learner Characteristics

The confluence of powerful technologies of computers and network connectivity has brought explosive growth to the field of Information Technology (IT). The problem presented in this study is whether the type of learning environment where IT concepts are taught to undergraduates has a relationship to the development of IT fluency and course satisfaction. The literature suggested that, if learning environments based on constructivist learning strategies were used, students would achieve IT fluency as well as those who studied in a traditional setting but they might be more satisfied. This paper is organized as follows. First, the problem is introduced followed by a review of the definition of IT fluency, then the paper moves to discuss learning environments and other associated factors relevant to this causal-comparative analysis. Next, the research design of the study is discussed, to include the four modes of inquiry used and the research questions that guided inquiry. A detailed data analysis follows, findings are presented, and the conclusion highlights findings. Recommendations are geared to instructors in higher education business/technology programs interested in designing instruction in conjunction with constructivist learning environments. (Contains 2 tables.)