This paper examines the relation between situated cognition theory in science education, and feminist standpoint theory in philosophy of science. It shows that situated cognition is an idea borrowed from a long since discredited philosophy of science. It argues that feminist standpoint theory ought not be indulged as it is a failed challenge to…

With whom does the American education system get high grades? For race and ethnicity, disparities are ever so prevalent. For socioeconomic status and family income, poor people never seem to get a fair share. For geographical location, inner city students are almost always underserved. Perhaps the one entity on which the system can boast is…

Discussion of the digital divide in access to the Internet focuses on differences in people's online skills and therefore access to information based on age, gender, and technology experience. Findings suggest wide differences in search strategies, ability to find various types of content, and how long it takes. Demographics of respondents are…

Discusses models of home educational computing that are linked to learning in school and recommends the need for research that addresses the home as a computer-based learning environment. Topics include a history of research on educational computing at home; technological infrastructure, including software and compatibility; Internet access;…

Examines issues of access, copyright, and intellectual property in the global information infrastructure. Highlights include policy application to higher education; policy platforms; access and gender equity; copyright and intellectual property; the National Information Infrastructure; digital libraries and electronic publishing; and balancing the…

Discusses gender equity and computer usage, reviews several software packages developed primarily for girls, and provides annotated bibliographies of seven CD-ROMs as well as book and Internet connections for each. Includes resources to guide girls on the Internet and resources for adults to help link girls with literature. (LRW)

Citing concern over the decline in self-concept and achievement exhibited by middle school girls, this article summarizes ERIC documents and journal articles that explore the factors that impinge on boys' and girls' academic and social lives in the middle grades. Presents annotated bibliographic references for ten items. (SD)

Discusses students' equitable access to technology and considers whether the quality of access is comparable. Highlights include home computers and socioeconomic differences, computers in schools, how computers are used in school, gender issues, students with special needs, and examples of elementary and secondary schools that have overcome…

Investigates the socioeconomic and gender equality aspects of the public's use of PEN (Public Electronic Network), a computer-based interactive communication system provided free to residents of Santa Monica (California). Topics discussed include public terminals; use by homeless people and by women; and participation in political communication…

Considers digital equity, including not just access to technology but also quality and use of technology. Topics include hardware and bandwidth; content and critical thinking; preparing educators; preservice training; leadership; special education; non-English languages and literacy; unfamiliar cultures; itinerant students; and gender issues. (LRW)

Examines level at which gender issues are addressed in middle school science classes. Argues that in the crucial area of science education, particularly for girls at the middle school level, "equal" rather than "equitable" as a dominant teacher attitude may be inadequate to ensure that gender imbalances are rectified. (SD)

Addresses the hypothesis that girls must receive advantaged treatment to achieve a level playing field in the area of science education. Expresses concern that: (1) the result of advantaged treatment is unknown; (2) too much emphasis is placed on the power of textbooks; and (3) too much emphasis is placed on sexism in science versus science in…

Argues that Chattin's criticism in fact illustrates the authors' stand that people are extremely uncomfortable with the idea of a proactive stance toward equity for groups that have traditionally held less than equal status. Addresses each concern, and reiterates that disadvantaged groups must now receive advantaged treatment to catch up. (SD)

Introduces this issue of Middle School Journal. Highlights articles presenting theories concerning how male and female adolescents face the development of self-concept, the dilemma of ensuring gender equity, as well as divergent perspectives on helping both genders develop positive self images about themselves as learners. (SD)

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…