Does Jane Compute?: Preserving Our Daughters' Place in the Cyber Revolution

Furger, Roberta

ISBN 10: 0446673110 / ISBN 13: 9780446673112

Published by Grand Central Publishing, 1998

About this Item

Prompt Shipment, shipped in Boxes, Tracking PROVIDEDVery good. Some creasing. *.

Seller Inventory # ware55kr2373

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Does Jane Compute?: Preserving Our Daughters' Place in the Cyber Revolution
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0446673110
• ISBN 13: 9780446673112
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 6 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

A mere 16 percent of all children who go online are girls. Meanwhile, 65 percent of all new jobs require computer proficiency. "Does Jane Compute?" offers parents and teachers the education and advice they need to help close this gap and ensure that the 19 million girls in American between the ages of seven and 17 will be computer literature.

Reviews

Computer journalist Roberta Furger addresses the troubling issue of the gender gap in the areas of computer literacy, proficiency, and utilization. Struck by the experiences of her own daughter, the author explores the causes and consequences of this gender inequity. The equity of computer access at both home and school, parental role models, socialization, gender-neutral or gender-specific software and games, supportive teachers, and girl-oriented classes and clubs are among the issues Furger examines in case studies, well-drawn anecdotes, and research findings. The gender gap also significantly affects young women's high-school courses, college majors, and career choices. Specific strategies for change and an appendix of resources conclude Furger's thoughtful examination. Irene Wood

The term computer nerd has a male connotation because it isn't acceptable for girls to be computer experts, notes the author. Consequently, many girls are growing up with insecurities about their computer skills, and there is a shortage of women entering the field of computer science. Furger, a contributing editor for PC World and an expert in the field of children's software, interviewed girls, parents, and teachers to develop strategies for helping girls have equal access to technology. She found that societal bias is pervasive and that change requires conscious action: mother-daughter computer workshops, games designed for girls, girls-only computer clubs, wired schools, and teacher in-service. The resource list provided here includes girl-friendly online sites and age-appropriate software, computer camps, and professional organizations that support women and computers. Highly recommended for teacher in-service and for public and academic libraries.?Laverna Saunders, Salem State Coll. Lib., Mass.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.