Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
were apprehensive about using the materials and
about their overall ability for the technical aspects
of the course. In addition, women reported that
they had more problems with access, such as
having to share the computer with other family
members or friends. Richardson and Turner (2000)
also stated that females responded significantly
more negatively toward CSCLEs than males. This
outcome may arise from the fact that female stu-
dents are not as computer-literate as male students,
and therefore less confident. Another explanation
may be that some elements of working in such
an environment may not be compatible with the
needs of female students.
There are also several research studies that
found gender differences in the learning outcomes.
Studies of gender-related patterns in epistemo-
logical knowledge demonstrated that female
students tend to view learning from a connected
and relational path, rather than an individualistic
perspective (Baxter-Magolda, 1992). It was also
found that females performed better than males
in mixed-gender online courses, and generally,
female groups demonstrate a more positive attitude
towards teamwork and collaboration tasks, as
compared to males (McSporran & Young, 2001;
Young, Dewstow, & McSporran, 1999). However,
these studies show mixed results. Some found
that women are more successful in Web-based
learning, while others found that men performed
as well too (McSporran & Young, 2001; Mehlen-
bacher, Miller, Covington, & Larsen, 2000). This
is partly due to culture's role as a moderating
factor affecting gender differences (Mortenson,
2002). In individualistic cultures, people tend to be
opinion-oriented and straight-forward, whereas in
collectivistic cultures, task dominates over person-
al relationships (Chang & Lim, 2002). Countries
such as Canada and USA are typically associated
with individualistic cultures, while most Asian
countries, such as Singapore and Taiwan, are
inclined towards collectivism (Hofstede, 1991).
Mortenson (2002) found that the typical gendered
behavior was only supported in Euro-American
subjects. Males were as likely as females in using
supportive modes of communication in Asian
subjects. In addition, Watkins, Adair, Akande,
Cheng, Fleming, Gerong, Ismail, McInerney,
Lefner, Mpofu, Regmi, Singh-Sengupta, Watson,
Wondimu, and Yu (1998) discovered that the
gender stereotypes, with females valuing social
relationships more, apply only to individualistic
western countries.
The existing literature concerning gender dif-
ferences in a computer conferencing environment
has evidently addressed variations in terms of com-
munication styles and participation rates between
males and females (McLean & Morrison, 2000).
Females tend to display a more socio-emotional
behavior, nonaggressive strategies, and a stronger
compliance concerning others' differentiations.
In contrast, males are typically associated with
aggressive and active strategies. Generally, they
support their opinion in a stronger manner and
express independence (Ausburn, 2004; Barrett
& Lally, 1999). Furthermore, research suggests
that women are more comfortable than men with
team-based evaluations and rewards. This may
be partly due to findings by gender theorists that
men's relationships tend to be defined by role and
status, while women tend to value relationships
based on communication and understanding
(Bostock & Lizhi, 2005; Gunn & McSporran,
2003; Herring, 2000).
Analysis of written dialogue in computer
mediated communication systems reveals gender
variations in message style. In particular, females
tend to be more punctual and use frequently
apologies, questions, personal orientation, and
support. Males' language includes strong asser-
tions, self-promotion, challenges, and sarcasm
(Herring, 2000). Bostock and Lizhi, (2005)
studied the gender differentiations that occurred
in student asynchronous online discussions. The
research findings indicated that female groups had
significantly more messages per student than male
groups. Mixed groups were more variable than
single-gender groups, while the messages contrib-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search