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Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
CS Girls Rock!
Sandy Graham
University of Waterloo
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Attracting Female Students to CS
Well documented problem pervasive in North America
The highest percentage of female students studying CS occurred in the mid/late '80s averaged 30-35% enrollment currently 10 - 20%
enrollment Two major problems
lower numbers entering post-secondary program
higher attrition rates "the incredible shrinking
pipeline"
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Why is diversity important?
“First, engineering is a very creative profession. That is not the way it is usually described, but down to my toes I believe that engineering is profoundly creative. Second, as in any creative profession, what comes out is a function of the life experience of the people who do it. Finally, sans diversity, we limit the set of life experiences that are applied, and as a result, we pay an opportunity cost – a cost in products not built, in designs not considered, in constraints not understood, in processes not invented.”
William A. Wulf, President of the National Academy of Engineers
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Why are girls staying away?
Multiple theories SIGCSE Bulletin inroads
Special Issue - Women in Computing (June 2002) Unlocking the Clubhouse - Margolis & Fisher
Two major factors stereotypical image of Computer Science and
computer Scientists introduction of the personal computer percentages in Mauritius
confidence level self-evaluations for introductory programming courses
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Debunking the "geek" myth
Image is everything When do girls turn off the
computer? It's the lifestyle not just the
hairstyle that's unappealing Role models
The stepping stone philosophy
Men can be role models too! You don't have to be superwoman
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
"I have confidence in me!"
Who do you ask for help? Demystifying the machine
Classroom atmosphere Critical mass issues Belief in innate ability Previous programming
experience high school course
experience more influential for femalestudents
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Girls and Boys are Different Tools vs. Toys Collaboration vs. Competition Balanced vs. Single-minded
Computer Science is big enough for the both of them
Don't try to turn the girls into boys Don't lie to them
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
A poor hypothesis …
The introduction to OO-programming course culminates with a final project
Traditionally the final project has been a game simulation
According to research, female students do not like computer games as much as male students
The project for Fall 2003 was a Landscape Design Planner
We surveyed the students to see which project topic they preferred
Total Responses
82
321
52
125
27
193
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Female Students Male Students
Female Students - non CS Male Students - non CS
Female Students - CS major Male Student - CS major
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Overall/Male/Female
Overall
19%28%
8%45%
Mildly Preferred ApplicationStrongly Preferred ApplicationMildly Preferred GameStrongly Preferred Game
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
CS vs. Non-CS
Female Students-Non CS
4%
29%38%29%
Male Students - Non CS
10%43%
28%
19%
Mildly Preferred ApplicationStrongly PreferredMildly Preferred GameStrongly Preferred Game
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
A new hypothesis …
The image of computer science is incorrect both male and
female students are misled
First year university is too late
Create a reputationin your courses Soft skills are
important
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Imperial Oil Seminar in Computer Science for Young Women - CS Girls Rock!CS Girls Rock!
A week-long seminar designed to spark interest in CS over 800 applications each of the past two years other camps
Goals Spark interest in Computer Science Show how CS can be applied to many different fields Present positive role models Debunk negative stereotypes
Grade 9 and 10 girls prompted to apply by their math teachers Participants from across Canada No computer science background required
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Core Curriculum - Programming
Programming using Tcl/Tk
scripting language Trivia program &
drawing program variables selection repetition subprograms
More than just GUIs
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Core Curriculum - Digital Hardware
Digital Hardware Computer engineering
principles Binary number system
and Boolean logic Basic circuits on
breadboards Intro to gates Building basic circuits
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
The Program - Supplementary Curriculum Hands-on activities
P.C. disassembly Algorithms Graphics Finite State Machines
Lectures History Bioinformatics Artificial Intelligence User Interfaces Question Answering Computer Theory
Dynamic speakers and interesting topics
Grad student research panel
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Computer Scientists are Fun
Social activities Free stuff!
conference like CD
Free time house parents
Banquet withfamily and faculty
Friends for a lifetime
Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium - Norfolk, VirginiaMarch 4, 2004 - Sandy Graham, University of Waterloo
Conclusions
The trend must be reversed The image must be
changed Embrace the diversity High school teachers are
important role models and resources
Like Computer Science itself, attracting more female students to the discipline is a tough but rewarding task
Contact:
slgraham@uwaterloo.cawww.cs.uwaterloo.ca/High_School_Liaison
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