GENDER-DIFFERENCES IN COMPUTER EXPERIENCE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON COMPUTER ATTITUDES

This study of 902 boys and 828 girls in secondary school shows that gender-differences in computer experience has a direct relationship to computer attitudes. The data analysis supports the hypothesis that male students have more computer experience than female students. This experience is measured by the number of computer classes attended, the amount of computer usage, and having access to a home computer. Boys showed more positive attitudes toward computers than girls. The number of classes students attended, and the amount of computer usage was positively related to computer interest, computer confidence (for boys), and perceived computer utility. Home computer ownership was not related to computer attitudes. The association between computer attitudes and computer experience was stronger for males than females.