Explores the nature of the relationships between gender, categories of computer use, and attitudes toward computers in a computer-enriched university environment where students had network access and laptop computers over a four-year period. Results indicate women were less positive about computers than men and their use levels were less frequent.…

Discusses the decline in the number of female computer science graduates and presents a categorization by educational stages of the research into this decline as well as an evaluation of the generalizability of findings to broader contexts. Show that the most extensive research is done at the post-secondary stage. (Contains 53 references.)…

Proposes that to bridge today's gender gap in computing, prior approaches need to integrate appeals to girls' traditional and nontraditional interests, and focus content more clearly on learning about computer design itself. A test of this strategy obtained significant increases in the treatment group's interest in, sense of relevancy of, and…

Describes a study that examined differences in computer-related attitudes and future intentions between females in an all-female class and males and females in mixed-gender classes. Results of this study conducted in grade 11 computer science courses indicate that an all-female environment may enhance the learning experiences of female students.…

Three studies were conducted in New Zealand with preschool children and high school students which examined computer attitudes and the effect of particular gender views on exploratory behavior. Results suggest that high school affirmative action programs are working, more female role models are needed, and efforts need to include young children.…

A survey of 167 instructors at teacher preparation institutions revealed correlations between technology use and teaching style. Technology users who preferred learner-centered teaching had higher levels of formal schooling, were mostly females, preferred learning by concrete experience, and were more social constructionist in their world views.…

Discusses the labor shortage of information technology (IT) workers and suggests that a potential source for workers is women and minority populations. Topics include cultural differences which contribute to the lower representation of some populations; census data on computer use and ownership; and the need for positive role models, access, and…

Describes two studies that investigated the impact of three features of educational software (aggressive distracters, competition, and underrepresentation of female characters) on girls' attitudes toward software. Results of studies with sixth- and and seventh-grade female mathematics students are discussed based on the Computer Game Attitude…

A survey of 119 undergraduate psychology students investigated the gender-related effects of masculinity, femininity, and perceiving technology to be masculinized upon computer anxiety in addition to the effect of significant others who use computers and the introducer of the technology. Examines the extent to which computer anxiety in teachers…

Analyzes, as a function of grade level, the representation of gender, competition, and violence in 17 top-selling software programs designed for mathematics education. Results indicate that mean percentages of violence, competition against the program and competition against a peer increase across grade level; mean percentages of female characters…

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)