Does Gender Have a Role in ICT among Finnish Teachers and Students?

Y

16

Leisure Time; Access to Computers; Statistical Data; Foreign Countries; Secondary School Students; Gender Differences; Sex Role; Generational Differences; Skill Analysis; Technological Literacy; Computer Literacy; Secondary School Teachers; Competence; Questionnaires; Likert Scales; Use Studies; Computer Use; Educational Research

10.1080/00313831.2011.576910

0031-3831

The digital divide between genders and generations in school, i.e., between teachers and secondary school students in Finland, was investigated comparing statistical data in 1999-2000 and in 2002-2004. ICT skills were intertwined with both generation and gender. Teachers were familiar with some traditional applications, students with new applications. Male teachers and students estimated their skills on a higher level than females, but in the second phase, female students' use and competence were close to male teachers'. There was a distinction between low use at school and high use during leisure time. In future, social use of ICT will reduce the differences between users, although the gaps between genders and generations in technical competence will probably remain. (Contains 6 figures, 1 footnote, and 3 tables.)

As Provided

38

2011

EJ928304