The Learning Machine

3. The Gender Gap

BBC1 Series 1 Episode 3
First broadcast 9th May 1985, 23:15
Duration: 24:46
A personal view by Celia Hoyles of computers in education. 3: The Gender Gap. Girls are often excluded from computers at home and in school. They're even told that they shouldn't be interested in technology! Celia Hoyles , Professor of Mathematics, Institute of Education (London University), explores the myths and prejudices about computing and girls. Series producer IAN WOOLF Producer ROBERT ALBURY

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Clips from this programme

Opening Titles

Duration: 00:30

Intro: No girls in the typical computer class: The gender gap: Celia Hoyles (Professor of Mathematics, Institute of Education, London) Exclusion from the power computers (Maths & Science). In a computer there is nothing to sympathise with them (Barry Thorpe-Parrs Wood High School)(Robin Ward - Equal Opportunities Commission)

Duration: 02:45

The Association between Computers and men & boys begins at an early age (Judith Whyte-Girls into Science and Technology). Women have a fear of technology and less confidence in experimenting (Pamela Geisler - Managing Director, Sphix Ltd)

Duration: 02:15

Prejudices: The importance of Knowing about maths, science and technology. Battle of the sexes in some blind testing

Duration: 05:03

Further Education needed to catch-up on sciences missed at school as they were not encouraged at school; instead-Office skills on old kit

Duration: 02:08

Information Technology is compulsory in Croydon, it shouldn't be an option and should not be science or mathematics orientated I.T. Teaching but this pre-judges girls' abilities in these areas, too. Programming isn't in a girl's nature (Robin Ward)

Duration: 03:30

Computers allow girls to pursue their mathematics interests (Julie-Ann Edwards, Maths teacher). Non-competitive pacing, LOGO liberates girls from rule-based thinking

Duration: 01:45

The WISE bus (Women into Science and Engineering), encouraging girls into Science, Maths, Engineering - The country is short of these skills. Compulsory woodwork for girls making it feel like a normal part of their lives (Norman Tann-Collenswood School). TVEI (Technical and Vocational Education Initiative) encouragement for girls to study technical subjects (Anthony Farr - Collenswood School)

Duration: 04:52

Conclusions from Celia Hoyles (Professor of Mathematics, Institute of Education, London)

Duration: 01:10

End Titles

Duration: 00:39

The Learning Machine

1. Promises, Promises

First broadcast: 25th April 1985
Duration 24:49

A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. The first of six programmes Promises, Promises ... As teachers have pointed out: 'They gave us the machines before anyone knew what to do with them.' Tim O'Shea questions the motives for putting micros into schools and suggests what is needed for the computer to live up to its educational promise. Film editor HOWARD SHARP Producer IAN WOOLF

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2. Why is so much educational software so lousy?

First broadcast: 2nd May 1985
Duration 24:28

A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. 2: Why is so much educational software so lousy? Why it is so difficult for parents and teachers to find educational software that does something useful, or at the very least does what it's supposed to do? Studio director: ROBERT ALBURY Producer: IAN WOOLF

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3. The Gender Gap

First broadcast: 9th May 1985
Duration 24:46

A personal view by Celia Hoyles of computers in education. 3: The Gender Gap. Girls are often excluded from computers at home and in school. They're even told that they shouldn't be interested in technology! Celia Hoyles , Professor of Mathematics, Institute of Education (London University), explores the myths and prejudices about computing and girls. Series producer IAN WOOLF Producer ROBERT ALBURY

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4. Which Way to a Job?

First broadcast: 16th May 1985
Duration 24:32

A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. A series of six programmes 4: Which Way to a Job? 'If we don't prepare pupils for a technological future we're sunk!' Is the technical and vocational teaching now appearing in our schools the best preparation for the changing world of work? Film editor JANE WOOD Producer LAN WOOLF

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5. Having a Bash at BASIC

First broadcast: 23rd May 1985
Duration 25:00

A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. A series of six programmes 5: Having a Bash at BASIC. 'BASIC? - The worst thing since sliced bread!' With a variety of professional programmers, Tim O'Shea presents the case against BASIC, and looks at recent developments in programming languages. education. Studio director ROBERT ALBURY Producer IAN WOOLF

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6. Intelligent Pets

First broadcast: 30th May 1985
Duration 24:21

A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. The last of six programmes 6: Intelligent Pets. Tim O'Shea looks at some possible futures for computers in education with Professor Aaron Sloman and Dr Benedict du Boulay Alison Kidd and Alex d'Agapeyeff. Sketches written by PAUL HINES Producer IAN WOOLF Director ROBERT ALBURY

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