Issues of Gender Equity with Technology Kristina Roys

Process of Research There are many resources available on the Internet that provide information on gender equity and the use of technology. For my ePoster, I reviewed the following websites: Gender Equity – Gender and the use of Technology – Gender Issues in Information Technology in Education – Girl Talk –

Issues that Affect Gender Equity in Technology Use Attitude toward Computers Educational Environment Solutions for Equity

Attitudes toward Computers In the research reviewed, the factors that affect gender equity are: –Stereotypes Parents and educators support gender bias towards computers. “Parents more frequently buy computers for boys” (Gender and Computers). Educators do not promote equitable access to computers, encourage girls to use computers and promote the relevance of computer use for girls in their future careers (Volman et al., 2001). –Lack of software for girls This lack of software designed to promote interest for girls, has girls losing interest in computers by grade three. This lack of interest leads to decline of confidence in girls’ technology skills. Therefore by the time that girls “enter high school and college, they are unprepared”(Craven, 1999).

Attitudes toward Computers continues The factors that affect gender equity are: –Lack of role models “Women are particularly badly represented as computer coordinators” (Volman et al., 2001). This lack of representation in technology supports the belief that “computer technology is a guy thing”(Craven, 1999). Researchers have identified that few women are featured in computer related text, magazines, curriculum materials and software. If women are featured, then “it is usually stereotypical” (Volman et al.,2001). This lack of representation provides a barrier for girls to feel that technology is an acceptable girl thing.

Educational Environment Promotes Gender Inequities Equal access to computers –One study suggests that boys can dominate computers use. –Girls can fail to use computers during free time. –When in groups, boys tend to monopolize the use of computers while girls will focus on the “group process” (Craven, 1999).

Solutions for Equity Educators need to be aware of any bias that they may have. Female educators need to be trained to instruct students to use technology not just for drill, but as a part of problem based learning. Educators need to have schedules for classroom computer use that promote equitable access. Educators need to encourage all students to use technology and promote careers in technology. Parents need to encourage their daughters to make more educational use of computers in the home. Software and curriculum needs to be created that interests all students.

Interesting sites for useful information htm Important site that summarizes the all factors affecting gender equity. htm Intriguing research article that studies happened at a school site in Canada when female teachers and female students were instructed first on how to use the computers and then taught their male counterparts.

Resources Craven, M. (1999). Gender and the use of technology in learning. Retrieved August 6, 2003, from ~dlarson/!margaretcritical.htm Gender &computers. (2000). Retrieved August 6, 2003, from Jenson, J., de Castell, S., & Bryson, M. (2003). Girl Talk. Retrieved August 6, 2003, from Volman, M., Van Eck, E., & Ten Dam, G. (2001). Gender Issues in Information Technology in Education. Retrieved August 6, 2003, from