Students' use of information and communication technologies and the role of confidence

Examination of the frequency and patterns of ICT use provides a picture of how students are taking advantage of the opportunities made available by ICT in schools and at home. Once they have access, types of ICT use depend on variables related to students’ cognitive, cultural and socio-demographic characteristics. This chapter gives special attention to students’ gender and socio-economic status and offers for the first time an analysis of user profiles that go beyond traditional stereotypes. It also presents a detailed analysis of students’ attitudes to ICT and how they relate to performance in science.