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Nebraska's Technology Gender Gap
by Chloe Albanesius
While the difference between the number of girls and boys enrolled in computer classes across Nebraska does not vary that much, the technology gender gap increases significantly as the courses increase in difficulty, according to a study released last month.
"Girls are taking computer classes, but they aren't going on and taking the more advanced courses," Patricia Funk, the project coordinator and American Association of University Women Nebraska president, said during a Tuesday technology panel hosted by the association.
The objective of the study, Funk said, was to "document the technology gender gap, help reduce the gap by raising awareness among educators and getting girls themselves involved." Surveys were mailed to 300 Nebraska public schools, with 170 responding.
Specifically, the study found that "boys outnumber girls by more than 3 to 1 in most of the more technology-oriented courses, computer languages, computer science and computer-aided drafting. Girls are even outnumbered by more than 2 to 1 in Web design and development courses."
"If you're going to integrate computer skills across the curriculum, you can't just leave it with the computer classes," Funk said. "You have to figure out how to get programming language in, and that's the real challenge."
The study suggests that one reason to be concerned is that girl-dominated application courses are often clerical in nature, while the boys' classes focus more on technology. Words such as "office," "word processing," "keyboarding" and "publishing" were mentioned much more on the syllabi for the girls' classes than they were for the boys' classes.
In regard to advanced-placement courses, the study found that of the 17 students who took the advanced placement computer-science examination, only two were female.
Funk concluded by suggesting that school authorities work to debunk the myth that girls cannot excel in computer science. "Girls are more likely to lack interest and/or confidence, but they are just as capable as boys," she wrote, adding that "school administrators and teachers should make a firm commitment to closing the gender gap in their schools ... as changes ... [are] unlikely without a number of concerted, pro-active steps."
Internet Credited For Better Grades In Michigan
Those hours your children spend surfing the Internet actually might be helping them.
A 16-month study conducted by Michigan State University found that low-income children who used the Internet for 30 minutes a day improved their grades and standardized test scores. Researchers also found that the computer use does not cause depressive or isolationist behavior.
The findings contradict a controversial 1998 study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University that found that long hours online often lead to depression and withdrawal from family and friends.
The Michigan project, funded by the National Science Foundation, gave computer equipment and an Internet hook-up to 90 low-income families in the Lansing, Mich., area and tracked the usage. Some students did view pornography, download music and play videogames, but the majority of activity recorded was school-oriented.
A Warning About Consumer Fraud
Washington Attorney General Christine Gregoire on Wednesday issued a warning to consumers to be wary of purchasing computer equipment from telemarketers or television advertisements.
Her alert was particularly aimed at Spanish-speaking residents, toward whom the calls and ads are aimed. Gregoire's Consumer Protection Division in the past four months has received at least 12 complaints about people not receiving ordered items or not full orders. Gregoire suggested that consumers buy only from local retailers and well-established computer sellers.
Also in Washington, Gov. Gary Locke last week announced that content on the state's Internet portal, Access Washington, now will be offered in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Cambodian.
Va. Plan Targets Appalachian Tech Access
Virginia Gov. Mark Warner on Monday announced a plan to increase access to technology in the Appalachian region. He is recommending that about $300,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding be used for 14 new tech projects.
"In order for southwest Virginia's economy to thrive, the region needs the technology infrastructure that will attract 21st-century industries to the area and support our traditional industries and small-business efforts," Warner said in a statement.
Some ARC grants provide Appalachian entrepreneurs with access to capital, technology and education and training programs.
'Virtual' School's Funding Formula Changed
The Florida Virtual School last week announced that its funding now will be included in the statewide funding formula for elementary and secondary education rather than as a separate online appropriations category in the state's budget.
"This is a groundbreaking step for online education," Julie Young, the school's executive director, said in a release. "Not only does it provide a viable way to fund online learning. ... It also means virtual-learning options are here to stay in Florida."
One difference from regular public schools, which receive their funding based on the number of students, is that the virtual school will only be awarded funds based on the number of students that complete and pass their designated courses.
"While it may seem like a double-tough standard, we find it works well," she said. "To balance our academic accountability measures, we provide more flexibility so students can complete online courses at their own pace, rather than being tied down to a traditional academic schedule."
'Do Not Call' North Dakotans
The first phase of North Dakota's "do not call" list for telemarketing takes effect Aug. 1, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem reminded residents on Wednesday.
The law says that within 90 days, telemarketers must stop calling people who sign the list, so those looking for the most immediate reprieve from the phone calls have until Friday to add their phone numbers, Stenehjem said.
"There is no deadline to sign up for the list, but consumers will always have to wait 90 days before telemarketers must comply with the 'do not call' requirements," he said. "The earliest day to start the 90-day clock ticking is Friday."
Recall Delays Use Of Voting Machines
The recall election of California Democratic Gov. Gray Davis will slow San Bernadino County's efforts to install touch-screen voting machines, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Registrar of Voters Scott Konopasek said the county originally planned to have the 4,000 voting machines in place for the Nov. 4 local elections, but preparations for the recall election, which is scheduled for Oct. 7, have forced the county to wait until the March 2004 primary to begin using the new voting machines.
Budget Woes Impact Cyber-Security Funding
Information security programs are suffering as a result of budget constraints, Security Wire Digest reports.
"Most of the things here and in the surrounding states are on hold awaiting funding," said James MacDougall, director of advanced technologies for South Carolina. "When you go to the legislature and say, 'I need a couple of million to address these problems' and they're laying off highway patrolmen and teachers are getting let go, they say, 'Son, this virtual stuff is a play world, and we've got some real problems.'"
Without the funding, however, states will be without strategic security plans, experts argue. Even if the economy recovers, though, state chief information officers do not think that information security will be at the top of the funding list.
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