ERIC Number: ED237610
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1983
Pages: 24
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Gender and Socioeconomic Differences in Enrollment in Computer Camps and Classes.
Hess, Robert D.; Miura, Irene T.
Informal reports suggest that computer literacy (programming) is sought more often by boys than by girls and by students from middle SES backgrounds. In order to gather more systematic data on this perceived trend, questionnaires were sent to directors of summer camps and classes that offered training in programming for microcomputers. Twenty-three directors of summer programs, serving a total of 5,533 students, provided data on enrollment and socioeconomic characteristics of students, type of sponsorship of programs (private, public schools, universities), level of difficulty of programming classes, cost, and residential versus day use. Findings show that three times as many boys as girls were enrolled in the total sample. Furthermore, the ratio of males to females increased with grade, cost of program, and level of difficulty of course offerings. Ninety-eight percent of those enrolled were from middle class backgrounds, and 91 percent were Caucasian. While Asians were overrepresented, other minorities were underrepresented, possibly for economic reasons. Factors which may contribute to gender and SES/ethnic inequity in the access to computer literacy programs are discussed. (Author/CMG)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A