Sex Differences in Computer Attitudes and Beliefs Among Rural Middle School Children After a Teacher Training Intervention

Abstract

Seventeen rural teachers of Grades 4-8 completed training in computer education and gender equity. Their students and students of nonparticipating teachers answered questions about attitudes toward and beliefs about gender appropriateness of five subjects. The training program improved teacher skills and increased student access to computing. There was no significant difference between participating and nonparticipating groups in beliefs about their gender appropriateness of various subjects, but the nonparticipating group reported liking computers, science, and mathematics more than did the participating group. Sex differences were reported for liking writing, computers, and video games, and for beliefs about gender appropriateness of these three subjects. An interaction effect occurred between group and sex in liking science. More boys than girls had home computers (5:4), and more males than females used them (5:3).

Keywords:

• educational computing
• computers
• gender equity
• middle school
• rural