Users and experts: Greek primary teachers’ views about boys, girls, ICTs and computing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine primary teachers’ views about the abilities and personality characteristics of boys and girls relative to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and computing, and to explore the relationship of teachers’ gender-stereotyped views with teachers’ gender, age, computer experience and self-efficacy in educational computer use. Participants were 241 Greek primary teachers who responded to a structured questionnaire. All teachers recognised that developing ICT skills was equally important for all students, but nearly half of them thought that boys were more likely to have the aptitude, interest and personality characteristics to pursue studies in information or computer science. Teacher views on gender and technology were not associated with teacher gender, self-efficacy in educational ICT use, computer experience or age. Findings suggest that teacher preparation and professional development programmes should address gender equity issues.

Keywords:

• teacher beliefs
• gender stereotypes
• primary education
• Greece