Selection of appropriate software plays a vital role in facilitating children's desire to use computers. The discrepancy between girls' and boys' use of computers is enhanced by the scarcity of gender bias-free software programs. Analysis of the extant literature and rating of children's software indicates that gender bias is reflected in terms of…

Identifies some strategies for supporting young girls in their use of computer technology through appropriate role modeling, thoughtful selection of software, and "gender fair" teaching strategies for classroom practice. Outlines some sources of gender bias in the use of computers by young children. (JPB)

Discusses gender discrepancy in classroom computer access and use; suggests strategies to minimize gender biases. Argues that gender differences in computer usage are due to biased classroom practices, lack of female role models, home computer gender gaps, and scarcity of bias-free software. Maintains that increased teacher/parent awareness,…

Part of a larger study on pre-school children's ability to use the computer to create art, a study examined the language children used as they were exposed to and trained to use a computer software program. Subjects were 4 preschool children (4 or 5 years of age). Audio and video recordings of the children over 8 sessions yielded a total of 1,501…