William Cope
Helen Repp.png "Rita van Haren")
Rita van Haren
Nadia Ayub
Micheal M Van Wyk
Clifford Blizard
Mellissa Rosal EspirituUbiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies MOOC’s Updates
Discussion Forum: Optional Update #2 Tech and Gender
Some gender-based biases can be replicated, altered or accentuated in an online environment. On the other hand, if used well, these biases can be minimized. The field of science has long been considered to be male-dominated; males are often thought to be better than women at science and maths. Attempts at changing these damaging perceptions can be reflected in University adverts for STEM programs; we can now see a greater representation of women from different backgrounds in the pictures. This is a step in the right direction.
I found the videos very interesting on this subject and had not really given it that much thought before. I was not aware of how exclusive the online environment can appear and the biases that exist. Thank you for opening my eyes. I will be more mindful in the future to minimize these biases in the work I do.
I am glad my post helped Kathy. Minimization of these biases would happen if there is an adequate representation of women, in the online environment, not only on adverts but also in the eLearning materials. Example by including articles written by women scientists and so on