(Never) Mind the gap!

Abstract

Purpose -Focusing on gender as an aspect of diversity, the purpose of this paper is to review social studies research on technology, and suggest a new direction, with gender redefined from a gap to be eliminated to a difference to be explored. Design/methodology/approach -This paper is a literature review of research on gender, technology, and social studies from 1987 to 2007. Findings -Previously, men had more access and used more types of technology than women, but a shift to web-based computing eliminates some gender gaps. Women dominate online communication.Although "male" technology culture interferes with girls' self-efficacy in schools and potential computer careers, the new Web 2.0 "participatory culture" holds promise because it relies on collaboration and networking, two well documented female strengths.Research limitations/implications -The gap notion of gender is questionable because: technology culture has been constructed as male; and social studies education, where women greatly out number men, pays little attention to gender. Evidence suggests that girls and women use technology well when it serves their interests, which may not be the same as men's. Defining gender as difference helps researchers answer calls to integrate "21st century literacies" into future studies and put gender equity at the center of future technology policy. Originality/value -Very little has been written about gender as a facet of multicultural social studies education in its relation to social studies.

A Study of the Relationship between Gender and Online Social Presence

“…Gender should be seen as diversity to explore rather than a gap to eliminate. Gender equity focuses on treating different genders differently to remedy pre-existing condition of inequality (Crocco, Cramer, & Meier, 2008). CMC environments invite more diverse learners and educators should provide gender equity to support individuals, their needs and assist them to gain communication and collaboration skill sets.…”

“…Although both genders may actively participate in CMC, it is inappropriate to assume that both genders possess an equal level of online social presence. Formerly, men had more access and used more types of technology than women, but a shift to web-based computing eliminates some gender gaps (Crocco, Cramer, & Meier, 2008). Women seem to be gaining territory in online communication.…”

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in a Grade 11 World History Class: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs

“…The participants in this study were Grade 11 boys who all attend a private day all-boys Canadian Association of Independent Association (CAIS) school located in Westmount, Quebec, Canada. Crocco, Cramer & Meier (2008) completed a study on gender, technology and social studies from 1987 to 2007. They showed that there was a limited number of studies on that topic.…”

Effectiveness of Implementation of IT Enhanced Pedagogy in Business Schools in Delhi - NCR

“…Gender has always been a factor of disparity, and more so when use of IT is studied. The paper (Croco, Cramer and Meier 2008) urges decision makers to treat disparate groups differently so that pre-existing conditions of inequality of resources are remedied and gender equity attained. Unequal access, usage patterns and culture related differences have always plagued technology use and technology has always been viewed as a male domain.…”