NECC: Closing the Technology Gender Gap
I just got out of listening to a panel discuss "How We Can Encourage Girls in Technology Programs and Careers." Here are the highlights:
1. Tell Them! Females usually need someone to affirm they are good at something. Many times we don't realize or are afraid to admit we are talented in historically male-dominated fields. Simply by taking the time to recognize a female student is particularly good at math, science or technology can make a bigger impact than you think.
2. Mentoring Female mentors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are essential to closing the gender gap. Reach out to the private sector to find these mentors for young women. Programs like HP Scholars are great examples of successful mentoring. If your local community does not have a similar mentoring program, consider starting one yourself.
3. Expand our Definition of IT IT careers are broader than we think. Many associate them with being the "computer guy" or writing code, but it's much more than this. There are a range of IT careers that require artistic/creative skills, management skills, teamwork and problem solving skills. Guidance counselors and parents can be allies in breaking down this stereotype. Encourage all women you know to look at what they do in their daily lives. Chances are they don't label their job as a "tech job" but they do use technology in their job. Technology is a part of everyday life and 21st century careers are increasingly requiring use of various technological skills.
4. Highlight Feminine Qualities in Tech Females are generally drawn to the social aspects of technology, so encourage this. IMing is seen as a gateway to technology for girls. Other uses such as blogging, photo sharing, text messaging and imovies tend to be what female students gravitate towards. Make the connection between these activities and "being good with computers." Encourage them to come up with new creative and cool ideas for using their computer or other technological device. Programs like Alice and arts and music camps are using popular female talents and interests to make the connection between females and technology.
Most importantly, as an ed tech leader, ask yourself what are you doing to close the technology gender gap?
1. Tell Them! Females usually need someone to affirm they are good at something. Many times we don't realize or are afraid to admit we are talented in historically male-dominated fields. Simply by taking the time to recognize a female student is particularly good at math, science or technology can make a bigger impact than you think.
2. Mentoring Female mentors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are essential to closing the gender gap. Reach out to the private sector to find these mentors for young women. Programs like HP Scholars are great examples of successful mentoring. If your local community does not have a similar mentoring program, consider starting one yourself.
3. Expand our Definition of IT IT careers are broader than we think. Many associate them with being the "computer guy" or writing code, but it's much more than this. There are a range of IT careers that require artistic/creative skills, management skills, teamwork and problem solving skills. Guidance counselors and parents can be allies in breaking down this stereotype. Encourage all women you know to look at what they do in their daily lives. Chances are they don't label their job as a "tech job" but they do use technology in their job. Technology is a part of everyday life and 21st century careers are increasingly requiring use of various technological skills.
4. Highlight Feminine Qualities in Tech Females are generally drawn to the social aspects of technology, so encourage this. IMing is seen as a gateway to technology for girls. Other uses such as blogging, photo sharing, text messaging and imovies tend to be what female students gravitate towards. Make the connection between these activities and "being good with computers." Encourage them to come up with new creative and cool ideas for using their computer or other technological device. Programs like Alice and arts and music camps are using popular female talents and interests to make the connection between females and technology.
Most importantly, as an ed tech leader, ask yourself what are you doing to close the technology gender gap?
posted by edtekker at 2:07 PM
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