The Digital Divide & Gender Considerations: An AAUW Resource

1. The Digital Divide & Gender Considerations: An AAUW Resource Presenter: Debbie Clingingsmith URL: http://imet.csus.edu/imet6/clingingsmith/aauw.htm

2. Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age A report by the American Association of University Women URL: http://www.aauw.org/research/girls_education/techsavvy.cfm

3. Abstract Focus: Girls Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age is the culmination of two years of work by the AAUW Educational Foundation Commission onTechnology, Gender, and Teacher Education. Published in 2000, thereport finds that girls are not computer-phobic, but have different preferences than boys in the way computers are used. For example, girls find programming classes tedious and dull, computer games too boring, redundant, and violent, and computer career options uninspiring. They prefer games that feature simulation, strategy, and interaction rather than violence and repetition. As the report recommends, “We have to think less about 'girls' games' and 'boys' games' and more about games that challenge our children's minds. When it comes to computer games and software, girls want high-skill, not high-kill. . . Instead of trying to make girls fit into the existing computer culture, the computer culture must become more inviting for girls.”

4. Abstract Focus: Teachers The AAUW Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age report has findings and recommendations for educators.Educators in K-12 , “. . . three-fourths of whom are women, critique the quality of educational software; the ‘disconnect’ between the worlds of the curriculum, classroom needs, and school district expectations; and the dearth of adequate professional development and timely technical assistance.” The report recommendations include abandoning the “drive-by” approach to teacher training which emphasizes the technical properties of hardware in favor of innovative ways of using computers in each subject area: “Teachers need opportunities to design instruction that takes advantage of technology across all disciplines. Computing ought to be infused into the curriculum and subject areas that teachers care about in ways that promote critical thinking and lifelong learning. “

5. Resource:Tech Savvy Girls Video Tech Savvy Girls is a video produced as a collaborative effort between the AAUW and Fairfax Network which is run by Fairfax Country Public Schools in Virginia. The video is based on the AAUW Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age report. It targets educators and parents who wish to bridge the digital divide separating boys and girls. The video is fast-paced and is narrated by a former NASA astronaut, Mae Jemison. An activities booklet accompanies the video. Tech Savvy Girls will be broadcast online on April 22, 2004. More information on the broadcast and video is available at the following web sites: http://www.aauw.org/about/newsroom/press_releases/techsavvypr.cfm http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/fairfaxnetwork/savvy/index.shtml

6. Free Resource: Report & Video for Schools The AAUW Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age full report, the Tech Savvy Girls video, and the Tech Savvy Girls Resource Guide are available free to schools through an AAUW Educational Foundation Community Action Grant.The web site to request a free copy for your school is: http://www.aauw.org/K-12/

7. Additional Resources The AAUW Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age executive report is available on the world wide web at:http://www.aauw.org/research/techexecsumm.cfm The AAUW Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age full report is available for purchase at the AAUW Online Store. The cost of the 84 page report is $12.95. The URL for the AAUW Online Store is: http://aauw.tranguard.com/ The Tech Savvy Girls Resource Guide, designed to accompany the Tech Savvy Girls video, is available for download at: http://www.aauw.org/K-12/GuideTechSavvyGirls.pdf