Adult learners: away with computerphobia

Reviewer: Geoffry Stanton Howard

Kneller's paper contends that computer anxiety (“computerphobia”) and public speaking anxiety (stage fright) are closely related phenomena, and that techniques that have proven successful in helping to overcome stage fright can be adapted to computerphobia. Kneller cites research [1] which has determined that the Jungian Extroverted-Perceptive personality type is usually unsuccessful at computing. He criticizes this and other related research because it ignores the fear factor, noting that his stage fright approach is superior because it directly addresses fear, which for many adults is the primary barrier to computer use. His specific proposals for easing internalized fear are to (1) relabel computerphobia as “Computer Apprehension,” (2) encourage adult computer novices to share their fears in groups, (3) start newcomers off with video games, (4) assign beginning computer programs that are relevant to learners' lives, (5) stress the need for considerable exposure to the machine, and (6) liberally praise adult students' progress. Although the paper does not objectively support the connection between computer- phobia and stage fright, the concept has sufficient face validity to warrant further investigation.