Presents a summary of nine research reports from a National Educational Computing Conference research workshop whose purpose was to bring together researchers who have been conducting gender-related research in computer science education. Three subgroups discussed the issues of exposure, attraction, and retention of women to computer science. (MDH)

A questionnaire completed by 928 postsecondary students asked subjects to rate one of two computer scientists on 16 personal attributes. Aside from gender of the ratee, questionnaires were identical. Results indicate that on eight attributes the female was rated significantly more positively than the male. Implications are discussed. (Author/CH)

An Attitudes-Toward-Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS) was developed in two studies: (1) 40 items were administered to 365 undergraduate students to assess attitudes toward the use of computers; (2) based on factor analysis results, the scale was reduced to 20 items and administered to 351 undergraduates. Results show the ATCUS to be a reliable…

A survey of 305 undergraduates tested a causal model for choice of computer science as a major. The model found causal differences for males and females. Attitudes toward mathematics played a more complex and stronger role for men, and experience played a stronger, more positive role for women. (Author/MSE)

Surveyed the entire middle school population of a rural-suburban school district to determine the general attitudes of students toward computers. Findings are reported for differences in general attitudes toward computers between boys and girls, seventh and eighth-graders, and those who had computers and those who did not. (JN)

Examined effects of beginning computer programing instruction, sex, and home computers on the attitudes of fifth-grade students (N=49). Results of this pilot study showed higher attitudes following instruction and no differences between the sexes or between those who had computers and those who did not. (JN)

A study of 115 female and 87 male college students in an introductory computer science course surveyed student attitudes in relation to gender, experience, and parental encouragement and determined that females were less interested in computers and less confident than males and that males were more experienced. After the one semester course,…

A study examined gender differences in stereotypes, experience, and confidence for computer science (CS) first-year students. Questionnaires were distributed to freshmen students (n=241: 161 females, 80 males) in a required university seminar course. Overall, participants possessed very stereotypical attitudes of CS majors. Findings showed that…

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.…

Presents findings from a commission that looked into gender technology and teacher education. Girls use technology as much as boys, but they have less interest in the machine for the machine's sake and more interest in using computers as tools for current interests. Both teachers and girls have similar concerns about computer technology in the…

A study examined gender and student group differences in stereotypes and confidence for first-year and more advanced computer science (CS) students. In the spring of 2001, 18-page questionnaires were distributed to first-year students (n=30: 21 females, 9 males) and students enrolled in an introductory CS course (n=32: 11 females, 21 males)…

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…

Reports results of a study which examined students' assessment of societal influences on their participation in computing. Gender differences in attitudes toward three factors are discussed: computing as male dominated, influence of significant others, and negative attitudes associated with computing and career aspirations. Students, especially…

The attitudes of high school students toward the use of microcomputers were examined in terms of causal attributions, i.e., student perceptions of the causes of academic performance. The subjects for the study were 171 male and female students, representing 102 white and 69 minority students who were enrolled in a large city high school. The…

The effects of using a microcomputer for electronic research on the achievement and attitudes of eighth-grade boys and girls (N=247) were investigated. The study analyzed three dimensions of student themes, two sets of computer achievement measures, and three attitudinal dimensions for each of three treatment groups. Results showed no unpredicted…