All throughout my life I have enjoyed and excelled in math and problem solving. This was the reason I initially considered mathematics and electrical engineering majors when I began college. I knew these were perceived as masculine subjects and that few of my female peers had similar passions, but these factors only encouraged me to pursue my goals. People thought I was really smart just because I was a math nerd and wanted to be a mathematician when I grew up. I enjoyed the attention and this only boosted my confidence. Because I was a minority regarding my fascination with mathematics, ever since grade school all of my teachers have encouraged me to persevere and fulfill my dreams. As a minority, I do enjoy the many benefits from being a woman in computer science.
From what I have experienced, girls are intimidated by computer science and look up to women that are brave enough to go into this field. Because there are many other challenging majors which women are not afraid to take part in, we can agree that it is not the factor of computer science being difficult that scares women away. Computer science is misunderstood by many which makes it a scary subject to approach. Trying to get girls into gaming is not the solution. I have never been interested in video games or anything of the sort. It is the problem solving that I enjoy. Finding ways to get girls to become familiar with simple programming early on is a better solution for getting more women into the computer science field.
http://archive.cra.org/CRN/issues/0304.pdf
http://cpms-old.byu.edu/speeches/family-education-careers
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/business/16digi.html?_r=1
http://eusesconsortium.org/gender/
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CCsQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fciteseerx.ist.psu.edu%2Fviewdoc%2Fdownload%3Fdoi%3D10.1.1.95.812%26rep%3Drep1%26type%3Dpdf&rct=j&q=DePalma%2C%20%22Why%20Women%20Avoid%20Computer%20Science%22&ei=TZuzTLreKoeisQOx37yzCA&usg=AFQjCNHmZ1QHV0_ugH64A2qDh7o3oEwoSg&sig2=WP8JIFLGG5yDnhz9vgn_4w&cad=rja
I agree. I think the mystery behind computer science is mostly what keeps women away. Early exposure could be a great benefit.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to hear from your perspective. You are a role model for all other women who are unable to decide on whether they should pursue career in computer science.
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