An Empirical Investigation of the Relationshops Among Math Confidence, Computer Confidence and Computer Self-Efficacy: Implications for Technology Education

A popular issue in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, computer self-efficacy (CSE) remains an important area of research. Educators, industry leaders, and government officials argue that the United States is falling behind other countries in technology innovation. And, most attribute this situation to ineffective education in the areas of math, science, and technology. The current study provides insight into these issues by linking math confidence, computer confidence, and CSE. Four hypotheses were tested using data gathered from undergraduate business students in a southern university. The results were significant, suggesting that both Math Confidence and Computer Confidence have a significant effect on CSE, both directly and indirectly. This study extends prior research on CSE by examining the link between Math Confidence and CSE and posits that technology educators may be well-served to consider some of the same techniques and methodologies applied in mathematics education to improve CSE in college students.