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Factors Influencing Females to Become Computer Information Systems Majors

Factors Influencing Females to Become Computer Information Systems Majors. By: Ashley Holt. Brief Outline. Introduction Review of Related Literature Methodology Findings Ideas for Future Work Conclusion. Introduction. Why is this a problem? IT Shortage Decrease CIS majors.

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Factors Influencing Females to Become Computer Information Systems Majors

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  1. Factors Influencing Females to Become Computer Information Systems Majors By: Ashley Holt

  2. Brief Outline Introduction Review of Related Literature Methodology Findings Ideas for Future Work Conclusion

  3. Introduction • Why is this a problem? • IT Shortage • Decrease CIS majors • Disproportionate number of females in computer- related majors, including CIS

  4. Enrollment by Program 9 Schools in Georgia based on enrollment, size, geographic location Technical College System of Georgia

  5. Introduction Continued.. • Purpose of my study is to determine whichfactorsaremostinfluential when a female student decides whether or not to become a CIS major • How did I begin examining the problem? • Reviewed previous literature relating to influential factors • Conducted interviews and an online survey

  6. Review of Previous Literature

  7. Factor #1: Role Models • Important to begin with the parents • Use technology on regular basis • Family member in IT field "Parents are the most important, influential people in a child's life." --Lee Canter Founder of Canter and Associates, Inc.

  8. Factor #1: Role Models Continued • Educational System • Teachers • Have influence on gender gap • High School Counselors • Faculty • Might create risk of discouragement • Number of women faculty in IT is still quite low • Women have impact on other women majoring in IT (Pollacia et al., 2006) (Varma, 2001)

  9. Factor #2: Lack of Knowledge • High school students • Little or no knowledge of CIS major/field • Females at an early age are steered away from math/science • Less likely to use computers compared to boys (Varma, 2001) (Li et al.,, 2001)

  10. Factor #3: Confidence & Stereotypes • Long considered male dominated field • Differences between male and females • Confidence in math, science, computing • Females less confident of their abilities • May enter the IS major with confidence but it may erode away with time • Women perceive themselves to pick upideas slower (Varma, 2001)

  11. Factor #3: Confidence & Stereotypes Continued • Stereotypes • Typically think of a nerdy guy with glasses and bad clothing on computer day/night • Women less likely display obsessive behavior • Computer • Female: tool used to accomplish tasks • Male: time to play and get paid (Bernstein, 1999)

  12. Methodology • Conducted face-to-face interviews • Sample-10 females (juniors & seniors) • CIS and Non-CIS majors • Guided by Theory of Planned Behavior • Online survey using Survey Monkey • Female sophomores at my university

  13. Findings Role Models • 40% of parents influence them • 20% influenced by professors • 65% parents did not believe they should major in CIS “My two biggest influences were my parents and professor that I had when I was a sophomore in college.” --CIS major Lack of Knowledge • All but one non-CIS major knew little or nothing about the CIS field • “I think a lot of people wrongly assume that putting together and taking apart a computer is what CIS majors do and females are just not typically attracted • to that type of job.” • --Non-CIS major

  14. Findings Continued Confidence and Stereotypes • 25% of online survey respondents said it would be “nerdy” to major in CIS • 90% of the online survey respondents said it would be STRESSFUL“Many females find it too challenging and because the field is male-dominated, females do not feel equipped enough to be a CIS major” ---Non-CIS major Shortage of Female CIS Majors 10% of CIS majors are females at my institution

  15. Ideas for Future Work • Further administer my survey • All females in the COB • Female students at other universities • Use Theory of Planned Behavior to analyze data • Future research will help us recognize ways to increase the number of females in IS-related majors

  16. Conclusion • Absence of females in IT field is becoming a concern • Socialization and psychological factors • My study found factors that impact females attitudes & beliefs about CIS majors • Role Models • Lack of Knowledge • Confidence Issues • Stereotypes

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