The Confidence Gap: Gender and Technology in the Teaching Profession

Gender disparities exist across various domains, including education, where efforts are made to ensure equal opportunities for all. While research has extensively examined gender gaps in core subjects, the focus on digital technology and its implications for teachers has been relatively limited. Studies suggest potential gender differences in teachers' confidence and skills in using technology for teaching, with some research indicating a male advantage. However, evidence is inconsistent, and the factors contributing to these disparities remain largely unexplored.

Students in a classroom
By Ronny Scherer, Diego G. Campos, Tim Fütterer, Fazilat Siddiq
Published Feb. 3, 2025

What this study is about

This meta-analytic review examined how male and female teachers differ in their confidence and actual knowledge and skills in using technology effectively for teaching.

We analyzed data from 102 research studies involving nearly 700,000 teachers worldwide. Our findings revealed that male teachers tend to have slightly higher confidence in their ability to use technology in teaching, especially in areas like basic computer skills and integrating technology into lesson. However, when it comes to actual teaching performance, there was no significant difference between women and men. Importantly, the extent of these differences varied greatly depending on factors such as the country, the type of technology, and the level of education.

This meta-analytic review reveals a gender divide in teachers' confidence in using technology for teaching, favoring men. However, this disparity doesn't always translate to actual teaching performance. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand the complex factors contributing to these gender gaps, particularly in diverse contexts.

More information about this study

The preprint version of a study paper is available at https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/gqm7a.

Tags: TPACK, Teacher competencies, Teacher practice, Meta-analysis, Gender equality
Published Feb. 3, 2025 10:19 AM - Last modified Feb. 26, 2025 2:04 PM