This research assesses the effect of learning resources (e.g., presence of a local expert in a work group, information centers, corporate-sponsored courses) on computer literacy. The assessment will be accomplished through a follow-up study of 30 of 89 work groups studied in three waves from 1987 to 1989. Computer literacy was first assessed in these groups in late fall 1989, with the development of an instrument for measuring computer literacy. The main question now to be addressed is: in work groups in which computer use is already well-established, will computer literacy of the work group show an increase, decrease, or no change from 1989 to 1992? The researcher anticipates finding instances of all three, so generally will focus on the conditions which foster increased and decreased computer literacy over time. The researcher will do this by collecting data from 30 work groups which vary in the mean computer literacy score of the group. The researcher will select 15 groups that perform primarily clerical functions and 15 groups which perform professional functions, from the large set of work groups which have previously been studied. Everyone in each of the selected work groups will fill out a short questionnaire and a two-week log of their interactions with others in the work group. In addition, the researcher already has substantial data about each work group from the following: two interviews conducted with the head of each work group conducted about 10 months apart, two questionnaires filled out by each person who was working in the work group in summer 1988 and fall 1989. Analyses will focus both on the individual and work group predictors of individual computer literacy and the predictors of group computer literacy as well as factors which are associated with higher computer literacy scores in 1992 than 1989 and those associated with lower computer literacy in 1992 than 1989. This research focuses on the workplace as an environment for increasing the computer literacy of American society. The proposed research will explore the factors associated with computer literacy and computer expertise in ongoing work groups. The project furthers VPW program objectives to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in science or engineering through research, and to encourage other women to pursue careers in these areas through the investigator's enhanced visibility as a role model on the host campus. The proposed activities which contribute to the second objective include: teaching a course, "Women and Men at Work;" giving lectures in other courses and/or public lectures; meeting with women's groups (students, faculty, and staff); and mentoring students.
