Self-Efficacy as a Predictor of Computer Skills Learning Outcomes of Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Abstract A 15-week software training program in generic Chinese computer skills, Chinese word processing, and Chinese desktop publishing was implemented for 31 individuals with physical disabilities. The main objective was to improve their computer-related functional skills and thus improve the overall quality of life of the participants. The relationships between the trainers' pretraining computer self-efficacy and their posttraining computer skills and self-concept were examined. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to determine the independent increment or relative unique contributions of the predictor variables on the learning outcomes of the 31 participants. The results showed that the following variables, accounting for 72% of the variance, were the best predictors of the success of a computer skills training program for individuals with physical disabilities: the participants' pretraining computer self-efficacy, pretraining self-concepts, and pretraining proficiency in computer skills.

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