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Developing Technology Fluency in Community Practice: Exploration of the “Paintbrush” Metaphor

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Educational Media and Technology Yearbook

Part of the book series: Educational Media and Technology Yearbook ((EMTY,volume 35))

Abstract

In this qualitative study of a girls only technology program, the authors argue that an emphasis of self-expression through the use of technology limited middle school girls’ developing technological fluency. The authors show how the metaphor of “technology as a paintbrush” was evident in (1) the organization of the physical environment of the program, (2) its curriculum, and (3) the interactions between the facilitators and the girls during the program. The authors conclude that educators need to analyze critically how the “technology as a paintbrush” metaphor is enacted in the context of facilitating girls’ identity development as technologists.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The Girls Only Program took place in the physical setting of the Silver Stream Computer Clubhouse, decorated and maintained by Silver Stream Computer Clubhouse after-school facilitators and staff.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. ATLAS Institute, Assessment and Research Center, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA

    Sarah Hug

  2. School of Education, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA

    Susan Jurow

Authors
  1. Sarah Hug
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  2. Susan Jurow
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Sarah Hug or Susan Jurow .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Georgia, Aderhold Hall 604, Athens, 30602, U.S.A.

    Michael Orey

  2. Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, 30460, U.S.A.

    Stephanie A. Jones

  3. University of Georgia, Aderhold Hall 604, Athens, 30602, U.S.A.

    Robert Maribe Branch

Appendix: Survey Items Related to the Technology as Paintbrush Ideational Artifact

Appendix: Survey Items Related to the Technology as Paintbrush Ideational Artifact

The numbers after the items correspond to the number of girls who checked the box, indicating they agreed with the item.

  1. 1.

    I want to learn how to use a computer to express my creativity. (6 agree, 1 disagree)

  2. 2.

    I know how to use the computer to express my creativity. (6 agree, 1 disagree)

  3. 3.

    I use computers to

    • _express my creativity (7)

    • _get work done (7)

    • _communicate with friends and family (7)

    • _stay informed of local and world news (2)

    • _stay informed of popular culture, music, and trends (5)

      10. Why did you decide to join the girls technology program? (please check all that apply)

    • _to meet new people (7)

    • _to get a chance to express myself (6)

    • _to spend time with friends (7)

    • _to try something new (7)

    • _to have fun (7)

    • _I really liked the last Girls Only Program (4)

    • _to do something after school (5)

    • _to learn about art and graphics (5)

    • _to eat a nice meal with friends (3)

    • _to learn more about computers (5)

    • _to learn how to create a video (2)

    • _I don’t know (1)

    • _you mean, there aren’t any boys coming? (2)

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Hug, S., Jurow, S. (2010). Developing Technology Fluency in Community Practice: Exploration of the “Paintbrush” Metaphor. In: Orey, M., Jones, S., Branch, R. (eds) Educational Media and Technology Yearbook. Educational Media and Technology Yearbook, vol 35. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1516-0_6

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