...Betty Dodson, a radically feminist "orgasm coach," is probably the pioneer in the sex-ed arena.

The 70-something Dodson has been teaching hands-on masturbation workshops for women since the 1960s. "The way to learn about sex is to do sex," says Dodson, who was featured last year on an episode of HBO's "Real Sex."

Dodson, who has set up a Web site devoted to her teachings (bettydodson.com), is famous for her private $500 sessions, at which a student is instructed to remove her clothes and inspect her own genitalia (a mirror and desk lamp are involved).

After "orientation" and a quickie biology lesson, Dodson introduces her clients to the MagicWand (a powerful electric massager) and coaches them to orgasm, emphasizing breath work and muscle manipulation.

She also discusses the emotional aspects of a woman's sexuality. (Full disclosure: I took her course last year, and it was the most empowering thing I've ever done - see my story below.)

Dodson's offerings may be extreme for some, but her agenda is similar to Doolittle's. Sex ed, she believes, is about expanding peoples' minds and helping them become attuned to their sexuality.

The same is true of Cakenyc.com, a Web site dedicated to increasing sexual awareness for women.

In addition to providing online support, Cakenyc.com throws sex-ed soirees. A recent rendezvous attracted 40 participants, all professional, sassy women, including doctors, lawyers, teachers and artists. (No sleazy riffraff or creepily deviant fetish freaks here).

They gathered at a chic SoHo loft to discuss the G spot.

A woman called Felice, a professional in the field of sexuality thanks to what she refers to as extensive personal research, showed off diagrams, made jokes and then got naked to demonstrated female ejaculation. (She positioned herself horizontally on pads on a table in order for everyone to see the action.)

When she finished, the whole room cheered - and then the participants peppered her with questions about how she learned to do this, what it feels like, if she can control it and, most of all, how they can learn the technique, too.

"The thing about the event was that the emphasis was on education. It wasn't a crass porn party," says Robin Steinfeld, a 31-year-old talent agent who attended the event.

"It was a fun, safe atmosphere where women could talk about their sexuality and learn something. It promotes sex and exploring your sensuality in a healthy, positive way."

Sex-ed classes are also available at Toys in Babeland, a vibrator-laden novelty shop in the Lower East Side at 94 Rivington St.

Options include Sex Toys 101, Strap It On (harnesses and the like), S&M 101 and a class on cunnilingus in which students practice on ice cream and use a baby carrot.

Last month, Tristan Taormino, author of "The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women," taught a two-hour course on - what else? - anal sex.

Using a diagram, the dark-haired vixen first gave the 411 on the genital region, then whipped out a bottle of lubrication and, using a rubber model of the behind of porn-star Julie Ashton, demonstrated her special technique. Each person in the room- lesbians, straight couples, a special-ed teacher, all in their 20s and 30s - seemed enthralled.

Classes at Toys in Babeland cost $20-$25 and include a refresher course on anatomy as well as discussions of psychology.

"It is a good way to talk about your fears and desires. It can be very therapeutic and healing," says Claire Cavanah, the store's co-owner. (See babeland.com for scheduling information.)

Sex expert Tracey Bartlett teams up with Good Vibrations, a well-known sex store in San Francisco, to teach a wildly popular class there about how to perform fellatio. In the spring, she will bring her expertise to Toys in Babeland, where she will also hold a kissing colloquium.

"Going to these things is such a good way to get in touch with yourself," says Cavanah. "It's not dirty or naughty. It's an opportunity to grow."

And yes, you will be tested on this material.

-By KAREN ROBINOVITZ