Gender-Neutral Instructional Software for Teaching Mathematics

A novel children’s educational software program called “WhaleWatch” was developed and is being tested by the University’s Center for Computer-based Instructional Technology (CCBIT) directed by Prof. Beverly Woolf. The computer program is especially designed to reach young women and is part of a longer-range effort by the National Science Foundation to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in mathematics and the sciences, according to David Hart, executive director of CCBIT. Designed in collaboration with school teachers in Springfield and South Deerfield, Massachusetts, the software is based on the theme of protecting right whales, an endangered species native to the waters off Massachusetts. Teachers suggested the theme because it engages students of both sexes. “This is equal-opportunity software,” said Hart.