Diversity Issues

Women in Computer Science:

"Games propel boys, at an early age, into the world of computing and reinforce a general belief that computing is a male activity. Teachers, guidance counselors, parents, and students expect 'boy wonders' to be interested in and good at computing. Computer science curriculum has traditionally reflected boys' interests and experience levels. School computers and computing centers have been claimed as the territory of a subset of male students who are the school's computing experts. And girls, as 'outsiders,' do not see how they and what they value can fit into the computer culture and curriculum." - Unlocking the Clubhouse

Unfortunately computer science is still a male dominated field. Of all AP test takes 56% were girls. Of all AP Calculus test takers 46% were girls.  Of all the AP Computer Science test takers only 19% were girls. In 2011 25% of the computing workforce were female. We need to fix this. Women have different ideas, strategies and skills to men which they can offer to the world of technology.  The technology industries are missing out on these differing perspectives. Reversing this issues will be difficult since it starts in early childhood as " computing is both actively claimed as 'guy stuff' by boys and men and passively ceded by girls and women." (Unlocking the Clubhouse) However this does not mean it is not possible. Right now, "by the time they finish college, most women studying computer science have faced technical culture whose values often do not match their own and have encountered a variety of discouraging experiences with teachers, peers, and curriculum." (Unlocking the Clubhouse)  These experiences are hard for women to overcome at the time and the women that do are strong.  We need to spend time making efforts to recruit women and make sure that we make our classrooms inviting to both men and women. The younger we start changing girls perceptions of computer science the better. Trying to reach students before they really grasp the social perceptions of Computer Science is a good place to start.  Take a look at the list of reasons girls enroll and why they don't and also have a look at Strategies For Getting Students.

Minorities In Computing:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION