Computer Literacy Among Freshmen is Very High at UC Davis

Virtually all freshmen entering UC Davis have computer skills, according to a recent study by the Student Affairs Research and Information office on campus. Of the 349 freshmen polled last year 83 percent said they would either bring a computer with them or purchase one after they arrived at the beginning of the academic year. Students with the lowest parental income and those most concerned about their ability to finance a college education are least likely to plan on having their own computer while at UC Davis, according to Bernard Yaklin, author of the study. "Nearly three-quarters of our students reported that personal computers enhanced their productivity and just over two-thirds said they are relatively easy to use," says Yaklin. Engineering students are the most likely to play computer games -- 76 percent reported monthly computer game activity, with the lowest level (57 percent) reported by students enrolled in the College of Letters and Science.