Discussion
The results of the current study support earlier findings that show
gender differences in computer technology achievement. However, these
differences may depend on the unit of study. In the current study, girls
improved more in the animation module while the boys improved more in
the broadcasting module. Thus only the broadcasting module of study
replicated the earlier findings that males have higher achievement levels
than females in computer technology. It would be interesting to know
if the animation topic was more appealing to middle school girls than
to boys of the same age and if the reverse were true for the broadcasting
module. Perhaps motivation made a difference. Or perhaps the animation
module had a more traditional academic format, for example, in the study
of the history of animation.
The results confirm the earlier
findings that there are gender differences in technology achievement.
But middle grade students of today may be different from those used
in earlier studies, in this experiment the girls did better on animation
and the boys did better on broadcasting. This study adds to our knowledge
about the achievement of both boys and girls.
References
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About
the Author:
Kimberly V. Hale is
an 8th grade teacher at Weaver Middle School in Macon, Georgia where
she has taught Explorations in Technology for 6 years. She received
both her bachelors and masters degrees in Middle Grades Education from
Fort Valley State University. Ms. Hale is currently pursuing a specialist
degree (Ed.S) with a major in Early Childhood Education from the Georgia
College and State University. She will complete the program and graduate
Summer 2002.
Email: khale.weaver@bibb.k12.ga.us
Weaver Middle School- www.bibb.k12.ga.us/Weaver/weaver.default.htm
Fort Valley State University- www.fvsu.edu
Georgia College and State University- www.gcsu.edu
