A survey of 253 freshmen and sophomores living in Ball State residence halls found 94 percent had access to a computer in their living quarters and 75 percent reported using computer technology more than five hours a week, said Sherry Woosley, a senior analyst for the university's Office of Academic Assessment and Institutional Research.

The access to computers in residence halls is a sharp jump from 1994 when 39 percent had their own personal computer or laptop in their rooms.

"The results support previous research that suggests that students have unprecedented access to computers at all hours of the day," Woosley said. "Computers are an integrated part of their lives, involving both academic and nonacademic functions."

The study, which was published earlier this year in the Journal of College and University Student Housing, also found the majority of students were heavy consumers of educational offerings through regular computer use. The study's co-author is Amanda Knerr, associate director of student affairs at Penn State University Erie.

"The students in this study were not frequently using computers for creative endeavors such as Web page design, presentation preparation or other design work," Woosley said. "It suggests that freshmen and sophomores act more as consumers in the technology environment than creators or producers."

The study also found:

• About 65 percent said they used computers every day or several times a week to view a course Web page while 70 percent reported using a computer daily or several times a week to complete assignments or papers.
• Thirty-nine percent of students used a computer at least once a week for online homework, tutorials or discussions for class.
• About 54 percent reported using a computer for online tests or exams.
• About 59 percent reported using their computer to surf the Internet daily or several times a week.
• When it came to recreational computer use, about 78 percent reported using e-mail or instant messaging every day while 17 percent used the programs several times weekly.

The survey also found that students are using computer technology to maintain contact with family members and friends. About 69 percent of students reported using a computer every day to keep in touch with friends while 62 percent used computer technology every day or several times a week to keep in touch with family members.

Also, 44 percent of students admitted to using their computer every day or several times a week to keep in contact with people in their residence hall while 37 percent used their computers weekly to keep in touch with faculty.

"This study found that many students reported regular contact outside of class with classmates and faculty via the computer," Woosley said. "Computer technology serves as a tool to support a comprehensive learning community that links residential life with academics."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on this study, contact Woosley at sawoosley@bsu.edu or (765) 285-2374.)