New Learning Technologies: Promises and Prospects for Women

• establishing a strong network and effective strategies to influence the production and uses of technologies (both politically and in the corporate world)
  
• avoiding the "razzle dazzle" of technologies if the content and the quality of education is sacrificed

Opportunities for Learning (facilitated by Cheryl Senecal)
Technologies can increase learning opportunities and the numbers of people participating in learning but they have to be provided in a friendly and appropriate way. Video-conferencing, though expensive, connects learners to other learners or to their instructor in a visual way which is comfortable and familiar. Audio conferencing is less expensive and resembles a telephone conversation but with a number of people. An example was raised of courses conducted through radio where listeners tune in every week at a specified time. Uses of "new" technologies should not preclude effective "older" technologies especially if they are less expensive.

A significant aspect of women's access to opportunities is the participation of other women. Women who might not approach or learn about new technologies because of socialization, fear, uncertainty, or suspicion, may do so if the link between themselves and the technology is another woman. The mentoring of women/girls new to technology by women/girls more experienced in the field, regardless of age, should be recognized and encouraged.

Opportunities for flexible work arrangements was mentioned in being able to work at home, during convenient hours, and still be connected through phone, fax, email, to the working environment. Opportunities for learning sensitive or risky skills through virtual programs was also mentioned, as in interns or dentists learning how to give a needle or drill a tooth without risk to an actual patient. Some participants warned that technology does not provide a new opportunity if it is badly used (eg. educational TV shows).

The most important issues from this workshop are:

• not forgetting about opportunities provided by "older," more cost effective technologies
  
• involving women, including or especially young women, in the process of introducing women to technology
  
• using technology to bridge distances & to provide information to those in remote locations (eg. farmers) but being vigilant that such uses build community rather than destroy it (by leaving some people out)
  
• that using technology does not eliminate creativity and personal expression