GENDER AND COMPUTING - CHANGE OVER TIME

Targeted 16-18 yr olds in 1992 were compared to similar groups in 1989 and 1986. Reported use of computers, knowledge about IT and reasons for not studying computing were assessed. Reported use of computers in school had risen to a high level, irrespective of gender. However, reported domestic use of computers remained highly gender differentiated with males retaining a higher level of use of their own computers. Social computing appeared to still be a male oriented phenomenon. Knowledge about IT concepts had not increased over the last 3 yr, nor had males apparently lost their advantage over females in this knowledge. Analysis of responses, both open-ended and statistical, to questions about choosing not to study computing indicated a considerable stability over time. Working extensively with a computer was not attractive to most of these students. It is concluded that gender-related changes over time in the U.K. have been limited.