Equity in School Computer Use: National Data and Neglected Considerations

Abstract

Since schools began using computers for instruction, social critics have questioned the equity of the apportionment of computer resources by sex, race, and social status. Data from our national survey of schools describe how computers are used with different groups of students. We find that the use of school computers differs most dramatically by student interest and ability. Boys and “better” students tend to dominate computer use. But the evidence is weak on the actual consequences of differential uses of computers. We raise, without resolving, the issue of whether schools should reallocate computer resources toward girls and less able students. A fair policy depends upon the relative value of computer-based instruction to fill the educational needs of all children. We need more experimental research to assess the relative value of computer applications in education.