Gendered Discourse in an Online STEM Course

• In Event: 63.022 - Designing and Implementing Learning Technologies to Enhance Social Justice

Abstract

The need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-field graduates is greater than ever, although omen in particular are shying away from STEM positions. Online courses are one possibility for solving this problem, as these courses currently are widespread in STEM programs that lead to baccalaureate degrees. This study will examine one mechanism that has the ability to influence women’s success in online courses: the language used in discussion forums. Using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) 2015 program, this study explores the gendered language that is and is not used among men and women and considers how deviations are promising for women's success in STEM online courses.

Authors

• Genevieve Marie Henricks, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Michelle Perry, University of Illinois

• Suma Bhat, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign