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NCWIT: Inspiring Girls to Pursue Careers in Information Technology. February 9, 2011. Agenda. “Unpack” STEM: The Importance of Computer Science Education The State of Computer Science Education Intervention Efforts & Resources Q & A. NCWIT and National Girls Collaborative Project.
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NCWIT: Inspiring Girls to Pursue Careers in Information Technology February 9, 2011
Agenda • “Unpack” STEM: The Importance of Computer Science Education • The State of Computer Science Education • Intervention Efforts & Resources • Q & A
NCWIT and National Girls Collaborative Project • NGCP founding member of NCWIT • Sharing expertise and resources • Multiple collaborations
NCWIT is the National Center for Women & Information Technology Our coalition includes more than 100 universities, corporations, and non-profits.
What Is Computer Science (CS)? • The creation and adaptation of new technology • A source of 21st-century skills: design, critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving • The foundation for most innovation today, from biotech to economics to national security
Critical for Advancing Nearly All Other STEM Disciplines Civil Engineering Atmospheric Sciences Earth Sciences Pharmacology Zoology Toxicology Biology Genetics Textile Sciences Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Botany Chemistry Mathematics Physics Geology Petroleum Engineering Bioengineering Physiology COMPUTER SCIENCE Astronomy Cellular Biology Nuclear Engineering Industrial Engineering Molecular Biology Computer Engineering Bioinformatics Immunology Biochemistry Materials Science Ecology Astrophysics Meteorology Environmental Engineering Electrical Engineering Population Biology Statistics Anatomical Sciences Aerospace Engineering
Enhances Innovation Expands the Qualified Employee Pool Improves the Bottom Line Promotes Equality Why is gender diversity important in computing?
Good News: Girls have necessary capabilities Bad News: They major in fields other than computing
Good News: Jobs in this most innovative sector are growing Bad News: Fewer graduates seeking computing careers, women’s participation dropping faster than men’s
Good News: A study on U.S. technology patenting reveals that patents created by mixed-gender teams are the most highly cited (an indicator of their innovation and usefulness) Bad News: Women were involved in only 9 percent of U.S. tech patents
Addressing the Problem • Leverage the NCWIT full pipeline infrastructure of corps, K-12, academia • Provide free, high quality, research based resources • Raise awareness of the importance of computing education for all kids
Statistics Paint the Picture • By the Numbers: Statistics About Women & IT • Scorecard Information
Practices • Introduce Computing • Storytelling • Unplugged • Teaching Programming and Language Concepts Using LEGOs • Scalable Game Design • Snap, Create, and Share with Scratch • Mobile Technology Classroom • Engaging Introductory Computing Curriculum • Recruit • Girls Exploring Science, Engineering, and Technology Event • Targeted Recruiting • Retain • Inclusive Practices: Pair Programming • Inclusive Practices: Peer-Led Team Learning
Practices • Promising Practices in Informal Education • Evaluating Promising Practices in Informal Information Technology (IT) Education for Girls (GSUSA)
Outreach Programs-in-a-Box • Engaging Ways to Introduce Computing • Outreach-in-a-Box: Discovering IT. • Computer Science-in-a-Box: Unplug Your Curriculum. • Roadshow-in-a-Box: Capitalizing on Models for Outreach Download for free at www.ncwit.org
Talking Points • Why Should Young Women Consider a Career in IT? (English and Spanish) • Comparing US K12 Students' Math and Science Performance Internationally • Moving Beyond Computer Literacy: Why Schools Should Teach CS • Offer Computing Workshops and Camps) Outreach
Intervention: Programs • Award for Aspirations in Computing • Find & recognize girls active in computing • Low-hanging fruit – keep them in the pipeline • 850 ‘winners’ thus far • 5360 girls registered in last round • Anticipate 10,000+ girls by 2012 • Provide support system & peer connections www.aspirationsaward.org
Aspirations in Computing www.ncwit.org/award Applications Open Fall 2011
Intervention: Programs CS Education Week • Raise awareness of the critical role of computer science in an information economy • Expose K-12 students to computer science • Highlight the challenges facing CS education • Engage supporters in the effort www.csedweek.org