Our personal experiences with the Internet have not been directly aimed at technology, math or science, although Rachel has certainly experienced her share of technology over the past year.
Our efforts on the Internet are more geared towards self-expression, and through that, a greater sense of self, self-confidence, and self-esteem. All issues that, I think, intertwine with the challenges that girls must conquer when they delve into math and science in most environments.
Over the past year I've seen Rachel's self-esteem grow steadily as she took tentative steps in making her statement to the world via her pages. As she began to interact with the hundreds of people who wrote to her, the encouragement and praise she received from these strangers from around the world had a wonderful effect on her. No longer are they tentative steps - she's often ready to go where no 11 yr old has gone before (on the Web at least). Her "Cool Site for the Time Being" is a prime example. A year ago she'd have been too unsure of herself to designate something as being "Cool." Now she's proud of that little part of her page, and doesn't hesitate to write to large sites to inform them of their award.
There's a related aspect to the self-esteem boost that comes from the web and the net. Usually, the only adults that most children deal with are their teachers, parents and parents of their friends. Children often assume that these people "have to" say nice things about them - and consequently discount that praise, even when its very well deserved.
Having a page on the net allows Rachel to interact with people of all ages. She's written to adults as well as to children - and the praise that comes in from "grownups" who take the time to sign hre guest book or send email seems to carry very high weight. Rachel's commented that people can just look at a page and leave and she wouldn't know. Therefore, when someone takes the time to tell her how much they like it it means that much more to her.
Best wishes, Kathy kathyw@mcs.net