GENDER AND COMPUTING - CHANGE OVER TIME

Targeted 16-18 yr olds in 1992 were compared to similar groups in 1989 and 1986. Reported use of computers, knowledge about IT and reasons f or not studying computing were assessed. Reported use of computers in school had risen to a high level, irrespective of gender. However, rep orted domestic use of computers remained highly gender differentiated with males retaining a higher level of use of their own computers. Soc ial computing appeared to still be a male oriented phenomenon. Knowled ge about IT concepts had not increased over the last 3 yr, nor had mal es apparently lost their advantage over females in this knowledge. Ana lysis of responses, both open-ended and statistical, to questions abou t choosing not to study computing indicated a considerable stability o ver time. Working extensively with a computer was not attractive to mo st of these students. It is concluded that gender-related changes over time in the U.K. have been limited.