unlocking the clubhouse: developing software education and practices for diverse beginners

Unlocking the ClubhouseDEVELOPING SOFTWARE EDUCATION AND PRACTICES FOR DIVERSE BEGINNERS

JEN MYERSJENMYERS.NET@ANTIHEROINE

GIRL DEVELOP IT COLUMBUSGIRLDEVELOPITCBUS.COM@GDICBUS

SOFTWARE CRAFTSMANSHIP NORTH AMERICA19 NOVEMBER 2011CHICAGO, IL

Saturday, November 19, 2011

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielbachhuber/2788562492/




“Females are 50% of the population and we cannot afford not to tap into that group of people to the fullest extent possible.... In this country we don’t put the priority on math and science education and it’s incredible because our society depends on it so much.”





“Females are 50% of the population and we cannot afford not to tap into that group of people to the fullest extent possible.... In this country we don’t put the priority on math and science education and it’s incredible because our society depends on it so much.”

– SALLY RIDEhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/danielbachhuber/2788562492/




Diversity in TechnologyWHAT THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE LOOKS LIKE - NUMBERS, STATS AND STORIES


http://www.computermuseum.li/




“Humans are allergic to change. They love to say, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ I try to fight that. That’s why I have a clock on my wall that runs counter-clockwise.”





“Humans are allergic to change. They love to say, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ I try to fight that. That’s why I have a clock on my wall that runs counter-clockwise.”

– GRACE HOPPERhttp://www.computermuseum.li/




Where are the women?

http://ncwit.org/scorecardhttp://pinboard.in/u:jenmyers/t:women-in-tech/


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In computer science undergrad programs: 18%



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In information technology jobs: 25%




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Taking high school AP CS exams: 18%


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Contributing to Wikipedia: 13%






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In open source programming: 1.5%


Contributing to Wikipedia: 13%






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Why are the numbers so low?

http://ncwit.org/scorecard


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Promotion processes



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Stereotype threat

Promotion processes



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Stereotype threat

Promotion processes


Work/life balance and childcare


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Harassment and sexism in culture

Stereotype threat

Promotion processes




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Isolation


Harassment and sexism in culture

Stereotype threat

Promotion processes




http://ncwit.org/

http://ncwit.org/

Unlocking the Clubhouse:Women in Computing

JANE MARGOLIS AND ALAN FISHER


Adventures in TeachingWHAT GIRL DEVELOP IT COLUMBUS HAS LEARNED WORKING WITH DIVERSE BEGINNERS


http://compscigail.blogspot.com/





“Computer science today is a door-opener across fields, from film animation to scientific research. In education, we call that ‘high-status knowledge.’ It opens up professional doors and can open doors to college and more education. I’m concerned that that knowledge be accessible to all students.”





“Computer science today is a door-opener across fields, from film animation to scientific research. In education, we call that ‘high-status knowledge.’ It opens up professional doors and can open doors to college and more education. I’m concerned that that knowledge be accessible to all students.”

- JANE MARGOLIS




Teaching programming is HARD.


What can make it easier?



Establishing good communication channels




Providing context and definition




Providing context and definition

Taking the time to understand what (and how) your student needs to learn


Build a solid toolbox.


The nuts and bolts:


The nuts and bolts:

Open spaceBackup equipmentPrepared materials/downloadsTAs with complementary skillsClass limitClass fees/teacher compensationContinuing resources and community


Conceptually speaking:



Personal preference is less important thanfoundational principles



Personal preference is less important thanfoundational principles

Establish best practices early


It’s okay to make mistakes. Really.


What can you do with mistakes?



Use them as learning examples




Put students at ease




Put students at ease

Remind yourself how your students feel


Be prepared. (But be flexible.)


Um, what does that mean?



Create clear expectations, goals andguidelines - WITH student’s input




Students are individuals - treat them thatway




Students are individuals - treat them thatway

Keep learning yourself


Inside the ClubhouseHOW WE CAN USE THESE LESSONS TO BUILD BETTER COMMUNITY AND BETTER PRODUCTS


http://www.whitehouse.gov/





“If we’re going to out-innovate and out-educate the rest of the world, then we have to open doors to everyone, we need all hands on deck. And that means clearing hurdles for women and girls as they navigate careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”





“If we’re going to out-innovate and out-educate the rest of the world, then we have to open doors to everyone, we need all hands on deck. And that means clearing hurdles for women and girls as they navigate careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”

– MICHELLE OBAMASaturday, November 19, 2011



Want a GDI chapter?Start one. :)


unlocking the clubhouse: developing software education and practices for diverse beginners

Technology

childcare http

science education

jane margolis http

sally ride http

grace hopper http

information technology

high school ap cs exams

promotion processeshttp