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Article Review. Gender Difference in Computer Skills. Reference : Shotick, J, & Stephens, P. R. (2006). Gender Inequalities of Self-Efficacy on Task-Specific Computer Applications in Business. Journal of Education for Business. 81(5), 269-274. EDTEC 541 ~ Edward K. Beale. Problem.
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Article Review Gender Difference in Computer Skills Reference: Shotick, J, & Stephens, P. R. (2006). Gender Inequalities of Self-Efficacy on Task-Specific Computer Applications in Business. Journal of Education for Business. 81(5), 269-274. EDTEC 541 ~ Edward K. Beale
Problem • Hypothesis: male and female college students have significantly different opinions of their own skill level regarding various business-related computer tasksWhy should we care?Differences in skill between students affects training development
Context • 137 college freshmen • (69 female, 68 male) • Private midwestern college • (Bradley University?) • Computer use in high school classes: • 75% female, 80% male • 46% F, 55% M had programming classes • All but one had computer(s) at home
Context • Given 21 metrics: specific tasks done with computers • Email, Chat • Word Processing, Spreadsheets • Powerpoint, database use • FTP, groupware, etc • Self-score ability level: • 0 = no ability • 1 = very low ability 5 = very good ability • Averages, then pooled variance t test
Results • Differences exist! • 8 metrics = no significant difference • 13 metrics = p<.05
Metrics Why the difference? “Communications Functions” (no dif) vs “Technical & Mathematical (dif) Society’s Gender Schema at work? Most students (90%) stated they learned skills through self study Results
Recommendations • Conduct objective tests! • Determine actual skill level • Help concentrate on specific training • Instructional Designers • Realize there is a perceived difference in skills • Reasonable to carry results to general population of computer users • Deliver training using skills with smallest perceived difference