Understanding prospective learners' computer literacy using concept map: A case study

In this study, concept map has been used as the evaluation tool to explore students' cognitive understanding in computer learning. Computer literacy regarded as important prior knowledge and skills novice programming students must acquire in order to learn to program. First semester foundation students take a 10-credit core IT module (IT and Design), to attain basic knowledge of how computer works, its uses, application and skills. The same group of students learns C programming in the final semester of the foundation year. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of computer literacy of prospective novice programming students and their perception of learning methods used in the lab. Fifty Engineering Foundation (80% male and 20% female) students involved in this study. Overall, 84% of the students have more than 5 years experience in using computer. About 74% of the students have learned to use computer at home. The learning methods used in the lab were rated as acceptable. Students' concept maps showed that their level of computer literacy as adequate. The outcome of this study resulted in focusing on cognitive tools to support learning in the lab.