The gender gap in technology education: examining middle school girls' confidence and ability for using technology

This study examined the confidence and attitudes of sixth grade girls in their\ud use of technology. The study used a mixed method approach of both qualitative and\ud quantitative research encompassing student essays, personal interviews and a Likert\ud survey. The research questions were to identify factors that influence girls' choices in\ud taking technology courses, and perceptions that impact girl's confidence, study\ud habits, motivation and attitudes.\ud In the study of available research one explanation for the lack of girls' interest\ud in technology fields of education was an absence of female scientists/engineers as\ud role models. Another study's results suggested that one way to increase girls'\ud confidence using computers was when implementing hands-on work in Web design,\ud e-mail and project-based activities.\ud Results of this study indicated that girls believe that learning about computers\ud and technology are important for their future and career choices. According to the\ud findings, girls have trouble picturing themselves as a computer person.\ud Recommendations based on the findings include: to expose middle school girls to\ud female role models and expand on their interests in using technology for\ud communication such as using discussion boards, blogs and e-mail in project-based\ud activities.\ud Keywords: Gender, Middle School, Technology, Preferences, Magnet, Confidenc