Computer Applications in School Psychology: A National Survey

Computer technology can assist school psychologists in assessment, data management, and consultation, but there is little centralized information available about the most appropriate ways to use the computer. There is even debate about the amount of interest school psychologists have in acquiring computer skills. A nationwide survey of school psychologist practitioners, trainers, and state coordinators (N=194) was conducted to address these problems. Results showed that 92% of the total sample expressed positive attitudes toward the application of computer technology in school psychology. Those who expressed negative attitudes generally had no access to computers. Coordinators emerged as the most experienced in programming skills and also reported the greatest access to computers. Computer literacy courses were offered by 22% of the responding training institutions. Apple microcomputers were the most popular choice of school psychologists. The findings suggest that the control exercised by school psychologists over the computers in their environment will impact on their services. The appendices contain the survey data tables, a list of existing software for school psychology use, names of computer user groups, and the survey quesitonnaire instruments. (JAC)