[quoting Doherty, 10 Dec 98] You say "educational software should be held accountable and to a higher standard of gender awareness". I'm sure we all couldn't agree more with that. You also say "Computer technology has the potential to be a genderless tool, it is crucial to realize this early on, so young girls will not be excluded in yet another realm of society". This statement tends to veer off from gender in games and into issues of sexism in modern society, which I think is inappropriate. Do you feel your comments are appropriate when you are, after all, discussing gender awareness?
When gender awareness is applicable to technology (gaming, educational, and otherwise) and its' potential to overcome gender stereotypes through planning, strategy, and innovative use of research to acknowledge society inflicted, sex based learning styles, then yes, my closing statement is appropriate. While a quarantine of instructional technology and design from societal influence sounds ideal, recognition of external forces is crucial in designing learning environments that create a level playing field for all learners regardless of gender, ethnicity, etc., etc., etc.