The Effects of Gender on the Attitudes towards the Computer Assisted Instruction: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

The idea that gender factor creates a difference on computer usage and computer-assisted instruction is based upon previous years. At that time, it was thought that some areas like engineering, science and mathematics were for males so it created a difference on the computer usage. Nevertheless, developing technology and females becoming more active in information era alter this imbalance. About analyzing this kind of studies, significant differences exist on behalf of males in some studies, while significant differences exist on behalf of females in some studies, and there is no significant difference in terms of genders in other studies. While gender variable has been dealt as sub-variable in studies conducted with teachers in terms of learning/teaching activities, the number of meta-analyses investigating related teaching method according to gender is limited. In this study, meta-analysis method which gathers the results of different studies on the same specific topic and analyzing these findings statistically, is used. Comp­rehensive Meta Analysis (CMA) Statistic Program was used for statistical analysis. The data was analyzed by using the method of study effect meta-analysis. Gender factor is a crucial variable for learning and teaching activities. However, with this research, it becomes obvious that it is not such an important factor that can create a huge difference. Publication type, sample type and geographical region are determined as moderator variables with the thought that they can create a difference. Any difference cannot be identified according to publication and sample type at the end of the research.