Rating: 
Summary: Seeing computers from a different light!
Review: Does Jane Compute: Preserving our Daughters Place in the Cyber Revolution by Roberta Furger increases the readers awareness to the fact that girls differ in computer thought, interaction and experience. As a mother of three daughters and one son, Furger's book strongly influenced my perception. Furger became aware of the gender differences through her own experiences and research I became aware by reading her book.Her book touches many areas as to why girls lack computer skills, how to improve girl's interaction with computers and how to make computers a positive experience for girls. For example Furger points out young boys and girls are apt to show very little difference engaging in computer activities. However, as girls become teens peer pressure and unwritten societal views encourage girls to shy away, show disinterest or impede from pursuing active or noticeable involvement with computers. Girls are hesitant in fear of being labeled nerds, not measuring up to set standards or encroaching on what has been understood to be males domain. Furger has several suggestions to overcome and improve girl's computer attitudes and interactions. Many programs, games and educational plans are geared towards males. Parents, teachers, software publishers and women already involved in technological fields must take an active role in promoting girls interaction with computers. First, software companies need to design more programs for girls. Furthermore, the companies need to steer away from making stereotypical programs and design programs that will enhance girl's creativity. Next, parents and teachers need to learn not to promote the subtle and many times unrealized hints that computers are for boys. Teachers and parents are often unaware that little things they do discourage girls such as putting the computer in the son's room and often relying on boys for computer assistance thus, overlooking girl's capabilities. Finally, women that already pursue careers in the technological fields need to become active role models. Girls need role models to create acceptability for their desire and need to enter into the computer world. Women have made many attempts to help, support and assist young and girls pursuing technological fields. At the end of Furger's book she provides the reader with a variety of resources and suggestions to improve girls interaction. This reader is very grateful for her research, insight, and suggestions.
Rating: 
Summary: Thought-provoking view of gender inequalities in computing
Review: In Does Jane Compute?, Roberta Furger, a contributing editor for PC World, effectively points out gender inequalities in technology related fields. She examines male domination in the fields of mathematics and science, and particularly, computer science. Furger explores both the home and school environments for possible explanations. The book is organized in relation to her investigation and the findings are presented in two sections, Jane@Home and Jane@School. Jane@Home reveals that male domination of the computer begins at an early age. Boys tend to view the computer as a toy, continually playing games and exploring. Girls, on the other hand, are generally less interested in the PC, get a proportionately smaller percentage of computer time in the home, and consider it more of a tool than a toy. They tend to use it to complete assignments for school and then promptly log-off. In addition, in terms of role models, dad typically spends more time on the computer than mom does. The family sees the computer as a technical device, like the VCR for example, which automatically suggests that the male members of the family are better equipped to both operate and repair the device as it becomes necessary. Jane@School reveals that a similar phenomenon exists in the school environment. Faculty members generally tend to perpetuate the notion that science and math are more male oriented subjects. They are more encouraging of boys to develop computer skills and to further their education in technical fields. Boys are found to be less tentative than their female counterparts in approaching and operating the devices and typically garner a larger percentage of computer time here as well. As awareness of this phenomenon grows, both parents and faculty members are taking steps to correct it. Furger offers many examples of their efforts. She describes how parents are centrally locating computers in the home, managing sibling use under a more equitable arrangement and providing encouragement and role models to their daughters. Educators are encouraging female students to take the highest level math and science courses available and are also forming technology-focused clubs open to female students only. Furger believes that this combination of efforts is necessary to prepare our daughters to compete effectively for higher paying, technical jobs. In addition, she offers a broad range of suggestions and resources to assist in this effort. She effectively raises awareness and presents a convincing argument that encourages action on the part of parents and educators alike.
Rating:
Summary: Jane Computes
Review: Nicole Middlebrough Internet and Society Does Jane Compute: Preserving our Daughters' Place in the Cyber Revolution takes a sociological approach to the gender gap of computer literacy. Roberta Furger explains how mothers inadvertently socialize their daughters away from computer use and general electrical knowledge when they allow their daughters to think of these objects as daddy's tools. Roberta Furger sets out to solve this gendered problem by interviewing parents and teachers that have helped girls overcome this problem and the young girls that have beaten the odds and took their place in the cyber revolution. She talks about the girls that have their own home pages and the other online resources those they use. She also talks about the computer games that are geared towards boy with graphic violence and degrading images of women. When computer companies try to make computer games for girls they use stereotypical images and ideas of young girls that perseveres the image. The companies make young girls dating games, shopping games, Barbie games, makeover games, and other games that girls get tired of. They do not make games that contain action for girls. The author stresses the significance of teaching girls the importance of computer skills in any career that they choose. Just telling girls that computer skills are important is not enough, but they also have to show girls that they themselves have the abilities to work with technology. Actions do speak louder than words; mothers have to take the initiative to learn the technology. They have to be a role model for their daughters, because there are not enough girl role models out there. I liked this book because it made me aware of the problems. Making people aware of the problem is half of the fight. This book also gives advice on how to help young girls become technologically aware. I think that all parents and elementary school teachers should read this book. This book is a collection of solutions on how to teach "Jane" to compute. This will give Jane just as much capability of joining the cyber race as John.
Rating:
Summary: gender differences
Review: Roberta Furger did an excellent job at taking a descriptive journey through the gender inequity that deals with girls and computers. Throughout this book, Furger points out how little girls use the computer compared to boys, and how little they know about computers. She also points out the noticeable gender differences in technology related fields between boys and girls. I never thought about that, but she is right! When you look at it, boys control the fields of math and science...especially computer science. These fields are so male dominant, most females are scared to enter them. Even the ones who are computer nerds don't dare pursue these professions. They are afraid to take on technology, science, or math because it is too risky to take on. Most young girls have grown up learning about computers and technology through the subtle, and not-so-subtle, ways in which society encourages boys to pursue everything technical, while forcing girls away from everything technical. She goes on to talk about this problem in the home and in school. Jane@Home deals with the girl's lack of computer experience in the household. Forty percent of homes consisting of men, women, and children have a computer somewhere in their house. Most of the time, the males of the house control these computers. They see it as a "toy" where they can play numerous games, experiment with different hardware and software, and explore the Internet. They are not hesitant to try new things, and thus learn more about the computer. Girls on the other hand view the computer as a tool. They use it for simple purposes such as writing papers, occasional e-mails, and other little features. They usually don't explore new terrain because they are scared of breaking something or messing up the software. They play very few games since most are designed for males. Games dealing with sports, guns, and adventure don't interest most females. Not only that, but the computer is located in the boys room a lot of the time. Because of this, girls will do what they have to do and quickly log off. Not only that, but if there is a problem with the computer, they always look to the dominant male figure to fix it, thinking Mom wouldn't know what to do. They look at it like a VCR. Whenever there is a problem, Dad will know what to do. Girls see this and it turns them away from it even more. Jane@School discusses the male dominance in the classroom. When given the opportunity to use the computer, boys will play with the mouse and not hesitate in exploring unfamiliar fields. During this time, girls will sit at their desks and giggle about anything not dealing with technology. That may be why men, not women, are most likely to enter the fields of math and science. Even girls with the potential for promising careers in computers are often pushed away. Not only that, but faculty members also feel that science and math are male dominant subjects. Today, however, these inequalities are changing. Parents are starting to instill confidence, encouragement, understanding, and giving their daughters the same opportunities as the boys. Mothers are starting to get more involved with the Internet, which is giving the daughters someone to look up to in that field. And in school, they are starting to organize clubs and organizations to increase girl's interests in computers. Not only the girls, mothers are benefiting from this as well. Males may have dominated these fields, but Roberta Furger tells how females are starting to come around and change that!
Rating:
Summary: gender differences
Review: Roberta Furger did an excellent job at taking a descriptive journey through the gender inequity that deals with girls and computers. Throughout this book, Furger points out how little girls use the computer compared to boys, and how little they know about computers. She also points out the noticeable gender differences in technology related fields between boys and girls. I never thought about that, but she is right! When you look at it, boys control the fields of math and science...especially computer science. These fields are so male dominant, most females are scared to enter them. Even the ones who are computer nerds don't dare pursue these professions. They are afraid to take on technology, science, or math because it is too risky to take on. Most young girls have grown up learning about computers and technology through the subtle, and not-so-subtle, ways in which society encourages boys to pursue everything technical, while forcing girls away from everything technical. She goes on to talk about this problem in the home and in school. Jane@Home deals with the girl's lack of computer experience in the household. Forty percent of homes consisting of men, women, and children have a computer somewhere in their house. Most of the time, the males of the house control these computers. They see it as a "toy" where they can play numerous games, experiment with different hardware and software, and explore the Internet. They are not hesitant to try new things, and thus learn more about the computer. Girls on the other hand view the computer as a tool. They use it for simple purposes such as writing papers, occasional e-mails, and other little features. They usually don't explore new terrain because they are scared of breaking something or messing up the software. They play very few games since most are designed for males. Games dealing with sports, guns, and adventure don't interest most females. Not only that, but the computer is located in the boys room a lot of the time. Because of this, girls will do what they have to do and quickly log off. Not only that, but if there is a problem with the computer, they always look to the dominant male figure to fix it, thinking Mom wouldn't know what to do. They look at it like a VCR. Whenever there is a problem, Dad will know what to do. Girls see this and it turns them away from it even more. Jane@School discusses the male dominance in the classroom. When given the opportunity to use the computer, boys will play with the mouse and not hesitate in exploring unfamiliar fields. During this time, girls will sit at their desks and giggle about anything not dealing with technology. That may be why men, not women, are most likely to enter the fields of math and science. Even girls with the potential for promising careers in computers are often pushed away. Not only that, but faculty members also feel that science and math are male dominant subjects. Today, however, these inequalities are changing. Parents are starting to instill confidence, encouragement, understanding, and giving their daughters the same opportunities as the boys. Mothers are starting to get more involved with the Internet, which is giving the daughters someone to look up to in that field. And in school, they are starting to organize clubs and organizations to increase girl's interests in computers. Not only the girls, mothers are benefiting from this as well. Males may have dominated these fields, but Roberta Furger tells how females are starting to come around and change that!
Rating:
Summary: Girls still aren't equal!
Review: Roberta Furger did an excellent job at taking a descriptivejourney through the gender inequity that deals with girls andcomputers. Throughout this book, Furger points out how little girls use the computer compared to boys. She also points out the noticeable gender differences in technology related fields between boys and girls. I never thought about that, but she is right! When you look at it, boys control the fields of math and science...especially computer science. These fields are so male dominant, most females are scared to enter them. Even the ones who are computer nerds don't dare pursue these professions. They are afraid to take on technology, science, or math because it is too risky to take on. Most young girls have grown up learning about computers and technology through the subtle, and not-so-subtle, ways in which society encourages boys to pursue everything technical, while forcing girls away from everything technical. She goes on to talk about this problem in the home and in school. Today, however, these inequalities are changing. Parents are starting to instill confidence, encouragement, understanding, and giving their daughters the same opportunities as the boys. END
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Book - "Does Jane Compute?"
Review: Roberta Furger presented material in her book that I previously had never thought about, but after reading her book, I realized I have dealt with them throughout my life. She divided her book into two sections. The first section is labeled "Jane@Home" and the second "Jane@School". The first section, "Jane@Home", focused on what girls are confronted with at home when it comes to computers. Most computers in homes are found in a boy's bedroom instead of a girl's. Also focused on in this section is the mother's role pertaining to the computer. The majority of mothers know very little or nothing about computers and rely on the males in their households to perform computing tasks. Girls are also challenged with the insufficient amount of software designed for them. Most software contains action and violence which the majority of girls aren't interested. The second section, "Jane@School", focused on what girls are faced with at school when it comes to computers. Teachers find that girls shy away from computer activities while boys are more aggressive. Schools that have the highest technology and many computers also find that boys tend to "steal" all accessibility away from the girls. To help girls with these problems, Furger explained that girls need extra encouragement both at home from their families and from teachers at school. Throughout the book, numerous examples of individual girls at home and "girls only" groups at schools were mentioned, showing how they are receiving the encouragement needed to get involved with computers. The encouragement led these girls to perform tasks such as developing their own webpages and even computer programs. This book is definitely resourceful for females to realize how they need to become more computer literate, how to do so, and how to prevent the illiteracy from happening to future female generations. Males, however, may not find this book as captivating, but it is a resource for them to learn how to encourage their female relatives and students to become more involved with computers. The encouragement, hopefully, will continue to increase the number of girls and women interested in computer and computer-related careers.
Rating: 
Summary: Gender gap in a computer society
Review: Roberta Furger reveals the gender gap that exists between boys and girls in the area of computer technology in today's society. Several years ago the concern was regarding why boys could not read. Furger suggests that concern now needs to focus on girls and the implications of attitudes, training, and access that are given, regarding girls and computers. Today 60% of all jobs require a basic understanding and competence in computer applications. Furger questions in her book, "Does Jane Compute," if girls are given the same opportunities to achieve the needed skills, as well as, how girls perceive their own competence. The perceptions of inadaquacies or incompetence's abound in many ways, from teachers to parents to peers to ourselves. Like science and math, girls are piushed away from technology. Computer games are based around boy interests, when problems arise at home with the computer, mothers suggest waiting for "your father to come home," and teachers ask boys to help with computer problems at school. All of these and more give the subtle messages that computers are male oriented devices. Furger suggest that mothers and fathers encourage their daughters to pursue interests in technology. Mother need to be positive role models by showing daughters their own interests in using computers and fathers should support their daughters in their interests. In the second part of Furger's book, "Jane @ School," emphasis is illustrated in teh need to give females access to computers, giving simple yet direct instructions on the usage of computers. She sites several schools that have worked with parents in an attempt to create an evironment conducive for female development and competency. These have proved quite successful. It has been shown that girls are anxious to explore the Internet, create web pages, and participate in chat rooms, they just need to be shown how to do it. Where boys have traditionally been overzealous in pushing buttons and exploring and taking things apart, girls have displayed a much more conservative almost cautious approach. These issues are also part of the reason on why boys tend to be more computer savvy they their female counterparts. Girls need to know what buttons to push whereas boys are unafraid. "Does Jane Compute?" gives a thorough examination of the gender gap between girls and boys where computing is concerned. It demonstrates the need for society to assure our females that an equitable approach will be afforded them where technolgy is concerned.
Rating:
Summary: Does Jane Compute?
Review: The book "Does Jane Compute" by Roberta Furger was very interesting. I honestly never really knew that there were a lot of differences between men and women when it comes to working on the computer. The book is divided into two sections, Jane at home and Jane at school. One of the main problems that that girls deal with at home is the lack of computer time that they get. The reason is because their brothers are getting more use of the computer because in a way there is much more male oriented software on the market today. The lack of computer time at home contributes to some of the causes that girls get behind in the computerized society. There was also a comparison made of about computers from boys to girls. The comparison stated that boys were persuaded to use it as a toy where the girls were to use it as a tool to write papers and do homework. Jane at school talks about the girls not having the chance to use the computers as much as the boys because they are always on them and nobody is really teaching them how to do it. All you really have to do is show them how do a couple of times and then we will be able to have a grasp of everything. Furger also states that when girls hook up to the Internet they usually e-mail friends or sign up to the chat rooms. This book also contained interviews of girl's opinions on computers. Some of the girls talked about how they enjoy surfing the net and using chat rooms. Roberta Furger made this book easy to read by giving lots of examples and it wasn't that boring.
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Summary: Computers for girls.
Review: The book discusses the need and importance for girls to learn how to use computers. In the book, the author discusses how boys are pushed to learn about computers due to socialization by the family and the availability of computers to boys. The author points out that most boys have computers in their rooms where they are most able to discover how they work. Also, computer games are more geared towards boys than girls. Computer games are not only entertaining, but the games teach how a computer can be operated. Girls are socialized to do the right thing and not take chances as pointed out by the author. Girls are afraid to push buttons on a computer because of a fear of doing something wrong. Girls often use a computer for task and quickly log off, while boys will play and roam around for hours on a computer. The author discusses possible problems of the future for girls who do not learn how to use a computer. Girls will lose out on career opportunities and possibly education. Programs have been set up for girls to learn how to use a computer. The programs are offered at schools and through out the community. The author points out that girls are willing to learn how to use a computer, they just need someone to show them. This book was very informative on the gender differences in computer use.
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