This study analyzed the enrollment of two computer classes at a public high school in northern Indiana to see if there was any computer inequity. The two classes examined--an introduction to computers course and a computer programming course--were studied over a period of four years. The sample consisted of 388 students in four years of the…

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…

Examines male and female high school students' attitudes toward computers in relation to gender and computer experience. Findings revealed: males showed a more positive attitude toward computers even when computer experience was controlled; females were less interested in computer science (CS) than males, however no gender differences were found…

Two descriptive pilot studies employed a multi-group and pre- and post-design to analyze the relationship between students' exposure to computers and reductions in their computer anxiety scores and the relationship between the amount of computer exposure to computer anxiety scores. In the first study, standardized measures of computer anxiety and…

Focuses on the gender gap in computer science and discusses results from a new report, "Gender Gaps," by the American Association of University Women. Examines technology's impact on gender equity and the importance of teacher education. Notes the increased enrollment of girls in math and science and calls for new programs to increase…

The training of computer users is becoming increasingly important to all industrialized nations. This study examined how individual differences (e.g. ability and gender) may affect learning outcomes when acquiring computer skills. Subjects (N=347) were college students who took a computer literacy course from a college of business administration…

Discussion of equity in computer science education focuses on issues related to gender. Topics discussed include computers and society, including employment changes and the relationship of women to society; the relationship between mathematics anxiety and computer anxiety; instructional and curriculum design; evaluation equity; and computer…

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…

The purpose of this study was to investgate the role of self-efficacy expectations in understanding gender differences in the election of college computer science courses. Participants were 368 undergraduate students (males=104, females=264) enrolled in a course fulfilling a general education requirement at a large urban university. A two-page…

Three studies give evidence to support informal reports of sex differences in computer access, interest, and use in the school-aged population. In the first study, a survey of 87 middle and upper income students in grades 5 to 8 revealed that more boys than girls owned home microcomputers and that use of the home computer also differed by gender.…

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…

New electronic technologies provide powerful tools for managing and processing the rapidly increasing amounts of information available for learning; teachers, however, have often been slow in integrating computers into the curriculum. This study addresses the question of how prospective teachers construct affective and cognitive models about…

Describes a study of undergraduate students that examined the relationship between selection of college computer courses and self-perceived proficiency in using computers, computer causal attributions, and selected computer attitudes. Gender issues are addressed, correlations between variables are examined, and implications for educators are…

Reports findings of a Scottish study using questionnaires and interviews to investigate views of 387 college freshmen on course selection, specifically addressing low female enrollment in computing areas. Finds computing students motivated by extrinsic awards. Reveals stereotypes, intimidation fears, lack of role models, and teacher guidance…

This study examined the effects of increased computing experience on the computer anxiety of 101 first year preservice teacher education students at a regional university in Australia. Three instruments measuring computer anxiety and attitudes--the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS), Attitudes Towards Computers Scale (ATCS), and Computer…