tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685560256628587439.post4408438159916385307..comments2023-07-10T07:12:16.641-04:00Comments on The Female Perspective of Computer Science: Long Term Mentoring Program IdeaGail Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173555781667297996noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685560256628587439.post-6015367247355096472009-06-14T14:25:32.714-04:002009-06-14T14:25:32.714-04:00ITmum: Sorry for taking so long to respond. I'...ITmum: Sorry for taking so long to respond. I've been in mega-thesis-mode, and wanted to give a thoughtful answer :)<br /><br />There are many reasons that girls don't get into computer science or IT. One is image - if the field continues to be seen as geeky or just for boys, many girls will avoid even trying it (especially during those delicate teenage years). This makes me sad, because some of them, had they truly given computers a chance, might have found a true calling!<br /><br />Another is a lack of role models. The grade eight girls I did a <a href="http://gailcarmichael.com/work/minicourse.htm" rel="nofollow">week long comp sci mini course</a> for were perceptive enough to give this as one of their reasons. It's like a vicious cycle, they said. I even just read an article in the paper about that, and the pull quote was, more or less, if you want more women in science and technology, then hire more women professors.<br /><br />Anyway, I might be able to go on about this for hours ;) So I recommend going through some of my blog archives for more thoughts (probably the "women" tag will help narrow it down). Also, check our <a href="http://cuwise.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">my school's Women in Science and Engineering blog</a>.Gail Carmichaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14173555781667297996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685560256628587439.post-84136495229123156032009-06-09T15:30:58.629-04:002009-06-09T15:30:58.629-04:00It's probably a good idea - but what I don'...It's probably a good idea - but what I don't get is, why is so much *effort* required to get girls interested in a career in computers?<br /><br />I've been working in IT for 20 years and I just love it. I can see my style is different from a lot of the guys, but I'm confident in my own strengths. It's such a great career for a bright woman - I'm always learning, always solving problems - and I've been bale to tailor my work life around kids and several country moves.<br /><br />When I did my comp sci degree there were maybe 20% girls in the course, though I don't know where they all went, because I'm pretty used to being the only woman on the team. Everyone thought more women would come into IT in time, but I don't see them at work, I don't see them at conferences. What's going on here? What's your take on why it's so unattractive to girls?Carol Wapsherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06215045052400009812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685560256628587439.post-23286770286204257762009-05-22T09:55:51.659-04:002009-05-22T09:55:51.659-04:00Thanks! I'd love to read yours, too. I meant to p...Thanks! I'd love to read yours, too. I meant to post something last year, but never did. This is exactly as I submitted it. I think when I re-read it a while back I noticed a typo, but I was too lazy to read it when I posted here... hopefully it's not a bad one ;)Gail Carmichaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14173555781667297996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685560256628587439.post-40314816018280282572009-05-21T21:10:49.984-04:002009-05-21T21:10:49.984-04:00Good idea to post your essay! I hadn't thought of...Good idea to post your essay! I hadn't thought of doing that! I think it's a great idea, too. Will you be able to follow up on it as a PhD student? :)Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12013607810852509475noreply@blogger.com