This study focused primarily on two types of computer interfaces and the differences in academic performance that resulted from their use; it was secondarily designed to examine gender differences that may have existed before and after any change in interface. Much of the basic research in computer use was conducted with command line interface…

Describes a study of first-year students at a university in Scotland that was conducted to determine their use of computers at home and in school, their knowledge about information technology, and reasons for not studying computing. Results are compared with two earlier studies to examine gender-related differences over time. (Contains 12…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the computer backgrounds of students enrolled in a teacher credential program. Specifically, this study attempted to determine if a person's computer background had any influence on attitude towards computer use, willingness to pursue further formal instruction in computer education, interest in using…

Describes study of undergraduate students that measured four types of attitudes toward computers: (1) computer anxiety; (2) computer confidence; (3) computer liking; and (4) perception of computer usefulness. Independent variables used in the study include gender; keyboard familiarity; prior computer experience; and knowledge of programing, word…

Describes a study of high school teachers in Taiwan that was conducted to determine how computers were used for instruction and learning; how teachers taught with and about computers; teachers' attitudes and opinions; and differences between boys', girls', and coeducational schools in the instructional uses of computers. (nine references) (LRW)

Presents results of statewide survey of knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of California sixth- and twelfth-grade students in computer science and computer literacy during 1982-83 school year. Boys displayed higher levels of achievement, more computer exposure at home and school, and more positive attitudes towards the role of computers in the…

As part of an investigation of the effectiveness of a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) activity in developing students' graphing skills, this study was specifically designed to examine the differences between females and males in both performance on graphing tasks and on their attitudes to graphs and graph-based activities. Results based on a…

This study was designed to determine whether children's attitudes and interests with regard to computers and computer science vary by sex, residence status (whether students lived in town or in the country), grade level, and computer usage levels. Subjects were 277 students in grades 4, 9, and 11 in the Watertown, South Dakota, public schools. An…

Describes study of college students that was designed to test the hypotheses that females would differ from males on four aspects of computer-related attitudes: (1) interest/enjoyment; (2) comfort and confidence; (3) computers as a male domain; and (4) social impact of computers. Some strategies for improving female students' attitudes toward…

This document provides: (1) a synthesis of more than 180 research studies cited in the "Research Windows" column that appeared in "The Computing Teacher" journal between 1985 and 1989, and (2) reprints of the columns themselves. In the synthesis section the studies are grouped into five general categories with various subheadings containing…

Discusses girls' use of computers and examines why they are often discouraged and lose interest. Topics addressed include the issue of gender; gender bias in computer games; use of the Internet; exposure to technology; girls' preferences; educational reform; choosing software; technology programs for girls; all-girl classrooms; and role models.…

A study of 50 students (grade 9) enrolled in a computer course found that home computer access for females was a predictor of early success for using computers as a learning resource and that enrollment in a computer course was greater for females who had access to home computers. Initial advantages diminished with continued use of computers. (PEN)

Discussion of the dominance of males in technology-oriented fields focuses on sex-related differences in conjunction with the use of computers in education. Topics discussed include the attitudes of parents and teachers; lack of female role models; previous experiences with video games; and cooperative versus competitive learning activities. (11…

This research investigated whether computer anxiety is different if the measure is administered by computer rather than by paper and pencil. The study compared two groups of students (N=83) who were gathered from three undergraduate sections and one graduate section of a required computer class for in-service and pre-service teachers using anxiety…

The article discusses two interrelated aspects of computer education: the computer's potential for developing cognitive skills and ways in which the differential participation of males and females in computer experiences may lead to inequitable outcomes. The Assessing the Cognitive Consequences of Computer Environments for Learning Project…