How can we get more women interested in Computer Science?
Presentation by: Davor Egersdorfer
Session E | 11:05 – 11:25 | Room 203
Abstract:
The under-representation of women within Computer Science (CS) in North America is a critical issue. Last year only 15.3% of CS graduates in North America were women. Fewer women are enrolling in CS courses now than they were twenty years ago. In 2015 at UBC female students comprised only 22% of CS major undergraduates.
I have reviewed the literature to investigate the under-representation of women within CS, specifically focusing on the perceived gap between male and female enrolment in university CS courses within North America. My research examines the recruitment of young women in the North American K-12 educational system, explores the influences that affect women’s choices in enrolling in CS, and looks at evidence of successful recruitment efforts in high schools.
This issue is very relevant to British Columbia (BC), as there has just been an announcement that computer coding will be added to the BC K-12 school curriculum. However, the BC school system may not be prepared to implement this curriculum effectively, especially when we consider that UBC, one of the biggest producers of teachers in BC, does not have a CS teacher certification program. In my talk I will discuss the main factors that affect the recruitment of female high school students into CS, as well as possible solutions that teachers can implement in their schools to recruit more women into CS.
