Study conducted in 1985 involved a sample of male and female teachers in Quebec, Canada. The study provides insight into the use of microcomputers in Quebec schools. Study underscored inequalities in the distribution of computers based on school size, town population, and administrative region. (RB)

Reviews research and literature on gender and technology. Looks at computer equity themes of the 1980's and early 1990's, and argues that middle school is the place to make a difference. Lists recommendations in the literature for assisting girls with computer technology. Notes considerable evidence of the persistence of a gender gap. (SR)

Argues that a strong sense of technical necessity informs the design of the computer-literacy curriculum. As a result, instruction in this area is inadequate at best and dehumanizing at worst. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

There is a trend for girls to lose interest in mathematics, science and technology. Teachers must help reverse this trend. Suggestions to help reverse the trend include creating a girls only computer club; mentoring girls early; challenging gender stereotypes; demanding gender-fair materials; offering multiple ways to respond; enlisting parents as…

One of three publications of the Research on Equitable Access to Technology project, this paper provides a literature review of the issues surrounding the provision of equitable access to computers for all children. Both the extent and types of inequities are explored, including hardware and software issues, and language and sex inequities. The…

Describes results of a study conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to determine the computer competence of elementary and secondary students. Questions in the areas of knowledge of computer technology, computer applications, and computer programing are discussed, gender and ethnic differences are examined, and…

Introduces special series of articles on females and computers. Discusses women's involvement in early computer history and possible reasons for and consequences of sex differences in computer applications including the computer as object of study, recreational device, or general purpose tool. (SA)

The development of knowledge and skills in the areas of mathematics, science, and computers is considered to be important for all students, both males and females. These subjects are prerequisites for many postsecondary education programs. Some of the most highly paid sectors of the labor market are those which require math, science, and computer…

This examination of computer equity argues that current educational trends--which emphasize teaching applications of computers rather than programming--will limit the computer skills of students. Added to this difficulty is the argument that some students (often minority and female students) need not be pushed to learn programming if they don't…

A study of 198 students and 43 educators examined computer attitudes and knowledge in rural settings. Educators and students had positive attitudes toward computers. Educators demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels than students. Over half of the students and about one-third of the educators indicated having a computer at home. (JHZ)

Two Australian studies of male and female achievement, attitudes toward computers, and computer use are reported and discussed. One study investigated differences between male and female parents, teachers, and students in 32 schools with extensive computer experience; the other is a survey of 1,000 schools throughout the country. (MSE)

Describes causes of the gender gap in the use of computers in school programs. Provides seven suggestions for policy enactment by school boards to address the problems of sex equity in school computer use. (MD)

Designed to provide classroom teachers with activities to enhance computer equity for female students, this kit is divided into four sections which present excerpts from four other publications: (1) "The Neuter Computer: Computers for Boys and Girls" (Jo Schuchat Sanders and Antonia Stone for the Computer Equity Training Project, Women's…

Two studies were conducted of students in grades 1-12 in Washington state to determine how children at various grade levels perceived males' and females' interest in using computers. A 46-item instrument was field tested using 124 students from three small school districts whose administrators had volunteered to participate. Four sections of an…

A one-year study is being conducted to provide a comprehensive, empirical definition of the factors that produce inequitable access to computers and computer knowledge for women, to generate a list of potential solutions to this problem, and to develop a self assessment instrument for use by educators to identify the inequitable access factors…