The influence of social-demographic determinants on secondary school children's computer use, experience, beliefs and competence

Abstract

This study examines the impact of socio-economic status and gender on computer ownership and the computer profile of 518 pupils in Dutch-speaking secondary education in Brussels (Belgium). Computer profile is introduced as a concept gauging computer experience, intensity of computer use and beliefs towards computers. Results indicate that socioeconomic status affects computer ownership only moderately. The effect of socio-economic status on the computer profile variables is entirely mediated through the educational track: pupils in vocational education (on average from a lower socio-economic background) reported a more negative computer profile. The effect of gender on the computer profile was much more pronounced: girls reported less experience with computers, a lower degree of home and school use of computers, and less favourable beliefs towards computers in general. However, girls do not seem to differ from boys concerning study-related computer beliefs.