AbstractThe primary aim of the study was to investigate student reactions to the use of courseware as a learning tool in the classroom, particularly the effect of gender. The study involved young school students in a systematic and documented courseware review process. Students as a whole were enthusiastic about using courseware as a tool for learning in the classroom, with a large majority of students endorsing both its motivational appeal and its educational value. Despite this overall positive attitude, however, the data showed important differences between the reactions of male and female students to courseware, male students being more confident about using computers as a learning tool than female. The major implication for educational practice is that teachers, while trying to instil a confident attitude in all their students towards using courseware, should be aware of the particular need to build confidence among female students.