2005 ECAR Study of Students and Information Technology

Abstract

Key Findings Information technology in the higher education experience adds convenience, connection, and control for students. Students believe that IT in courses enhances their learning. Ownership levels of laptop computers and cell phones among surveyed students rose from 2004. While nearly half (49.0 percent) of students surveyed in 2004 obtained broadband access through the uni- versity, 39.8 percent of those surveyed did so in 2005. The curriculum continues to be a prime motivator of student IT skill acquisition. The percentage of students using media-intensive ap- plications rose in 2005, although reported skill levels in these applications remained unchanged. Surveyed students continue to prefer a moderate amount of IT in their course experience. Students appear to like course management systems.