Girls & Technology Network
The Connecticut Girls & Technology Network is an expanding
collaborative of individuals representing schools, colleges, museums and
science centers, businesses, governmental agencies and other
organizations. Its purpose is to create a climate for learning and
using technology that will make technology activities equally welcoming
and enriching to all students and will expand the range of opportunities
for girls to participate in careers in technology.
As early as kindergarten, the stereotypes about computers being more
identified with boys than with girls has begun, because the world of
computer and video games is so strongly associated with the play of
boys, not girls. Middle school aged boys are three times more likely to
attend computer camps than their female counterparts. Computer games
are the world of "Game Boy," and the name is no accident. 75%-85% of
sales and revenues in the $10 billion computer game industry come from
male consumers. According to a study done by Mattel and reported in
Newsweek in October, 1996, for every four software program parents buy for
their sons, they buy only one for their daughters. The gap is
narrowing, but still exists.
One initiative is to develop software and computer games that appeal to
girls, such as games with female protagonists and games that downplay
competition, violence and control in favor of challenge, curiosity,
fantasy and cooperation, features which increase motivational value for
all players, girls as well as boys.
The Girls & Technology Network plans other initiatives to involve
girls with technology and give them opportunities to learn from women
role models who have chosen careers in math, science or technology.
Two upcoming events are:
- Girls Technology Exposition, to be held at the University of
Connecticut on September 14, 2000. Hands-on activities, adult female
mentors, showcase of new technology software, a keynote speaker and
other events for the middle school girl invitees.
Contact: Jean Rozett at 203-498-4240. Email: jrozett@aol.com
- Women in Science and Engineering summer camp at the Westover School
in Middlebury, CT. 4-day sleepover camp for middle school girls. Math,
science, technology and sports activities for participants. Some
scholarship aid available.
Contact: Carol Santos at 203-577-4503 Email: csantos@westoverschool.org;Or Ann Pollina, Head of School, at 203-758-2423
Email: apollina@westoverschool.org
An important factor in the future success of these initiatives will be
the receipt of funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), to
which the Technology Network has submitted a proposal. Funds from
corporate sponsors have already been secured to cover the costs of the
Technology Exposition, making it possible for participants to pay no
entry fees. NSF funding will help bring down the costs of the weekly
summer camps, so that girls whose families couldn't otherwise afford the
fees will be able to attend.
Best Practices for Teachers -- to keep girls involved with technology
- Emphasize technology as a tool not a toy; this is how most girls use it.
- Actively seek and use software that is appealing to girls.
- Encourage girls to go beyond word processing. A simple course in
computer architecture, common vocabulary and simple programming can go a
long way in demystifying the computer.
- Connect use of technology to real problems, to the good of the world
and its people.
- Help students to imagine careers in which technology will be an
important tool.
- Consider the technology venue; small computer pods and collaborative
use are appealing to many girls.
- Monitor the use of technology. Be sure girls are not relegated to
watchers or notetakers. If boys dominate the computer room, consider
forming a special girls club.
- Train girl experts. Have them run classes or monitor computer labs.
- Don't let girls' strengths become their weaknesses. Don't encourage
speed over reflection.
- Encourage experimentation. Remind students that most everyday
technology isn't fragile.
- Work with parents. Help them to share your high expectations for
their daughters.
- Great resources:
- Video: "How Computers Work" from Boston Computer Museum
- Free curriculum from Intel: "The Journey Inside the Computer"
- Kids Network Units: National Geographic Society
- FIRST contest: School/industry robotics competition
- Hands on science and technology units: TERC
- Free units and materials: NASA
- LEGO Dacta Technology products
(Best Practices and Resources for Teachers compiled by Ann Pollina,
Head of Westover School)
Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.
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