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Why Study Computing? You don't need to look very far to see the impact of computers in our society. Computer technology is used everywhere in our world today, from video games to cell phone software to major motion pictures. With the internet constantly evolving and with new features, websites, and software needing developed all the time, computing is a field where a huge impact on society can be made. This is a field where women's voices need to be heard, and a field that yields great rewards for both the individaul and society.
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Isn't This a Field For Nerds? If it were, I wouldn't be here! The popular societal perception of computer science and technology workers portrays them as introverted individuals who work long into the night hunched over a computer keyboard with little contact with anyone else. This perception needs to change. In today's world, all aspects of computer technology are more complex and require an even wider range of talants than ever before. Communication and working on teams are a key component in the field today. Given that this is an area in which woman naturally excel, imagine how much more productive and what even greater things could be accomplished in the world of computing if more women were present in the profession! There are still those who fit the traditional description, probably of their own choice, but this is now the exception rather than the norm.
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Why Aren't There More Women in the Field? One of the main reasons is the stereotypes listed above. Due to misconceptions about the field, many girls rule out computer science by 6th grade. Another reason is that many girls avoid the math science classes that they would need to excel in the field of computing. This is very unfortunate, because girls who do go into computing tend to do just as well if not better than their male counterparts, due to equal intellectual skills with better communication skills. The truth is that girls are just as capable of handling the math and science courses that are needed to excel, but stereotypes and poor or misled self-image hold them back. They might rethink these decisions if they knew what kinds of exciting careers and money they were passing up!
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I Need More Information to Convince Me! The best idea is to talk to women in the field or female instructors at your school or college. Hopefully the resources on this page will help you as well! Stories From the Past - Clear out those dusty old stereotypes and find out how women have been impacting the world of computing since its beginning. Summer Computer Mini-Camp for Girls: |