Enhancement of basic computer skills. Evaluation of an intervention.

A series of self-paced tutorials was developed for use by graduate students on the assumption that acquisition of skills in accessing e-mail accounts, use of the World Wide Web, file-transfer protocols, Excel spreadsheet, and PowerPoint presentation software would help students succeed in their program of graduate studies. The postproject evaluation tool was sent to participants via e-mail, to reinforce the acquired skills and demonstrate the successful accomplishment of project objectives. Pre- and postevaluation data indicated an increase in self-rated skill level after participation in the tutorial series. Analysis showed an overall mean gain score of 2.3 points, with pre- and posttutorial gain scores significantly increased for all topic areas.