Gender equity and information technology in education: The second decade

• Published in: Review of educational research Vol. 71; no. 4; pp. 613 - 634
• Main Authors: Volman, Monique, Eck, Edith van
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA American Educational Research Association 01.12.2001; Sage Publications
• Subjects: Communications; Computer; Computer Attitudes; Computer mediated communication; Computer science; Computer software; Computers in education; Curriculum subjects: programmes and methods; Education; Educational Environment; Educational evaluation; Educational research; Educational sciences; Educational Technology; Einstellung (Psy); Elementary education; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; Forschungsstand; Gender; Gender differences; Geschlechtsunterschied; Information Technology; Informationstechnik; Learning; Learning Processes; Leistung; Literaturbericht; Medieneinsatz; Mediennutzung; Outcomes of Education; Peer Influence; Personal computers; Primarbereich; Schule; Schüler; Schülerleistung; Secondary education; Sekundarschule; Sex Differences; Student Attitudes; Teacher Role; Teachers; Teaching Methods; Womens studies; Netherlands; educational technology; equity; gender differences; Secondary School Student; Access; New Information and Communication Technologies (NTIC); Sex Difference; Sexism; Computer Science
• ISSN: 0034-6543; 1935-1046
• DOI: 10.3102/00346543071004613

First, the rapid development in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education is outlined. Then the topics of access to computers, computer-related learning processes, and educational outcomes are discussed. The review also provides insight into the background of gender differences in participation in computer activities and performance in relation to ICT. The research reviewed focuses on the role of teachers and fellow classmates, on the different approaches of girls and boys to ICT, and on the preferences of girls regarding the structure and design of software. The research also analyzed the complex meaning of computer attitudes as both a cause and a consequence of differences in the participation and performance of girls and boys. The extent and nature of these differences vary from application to application. (DIPF/Orig.)