What can be done to encourage more women to pursue technology careers?

What can be done to encourage more women to pursue technology careers?

Dr. Carole Bagley, Quantitative Methods and Computer Science Department, will give a talk, "Problem-Solving and Collaboration Strategies Used in Learning Computer Programming and the Importance for Women and Other Underserved Populations," from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in the Luann Dummer Center for Women, Room 103, O'Shaughnessy Educational Center.

Bring your lunch, dessert and beverages provided.

Bagley notes that a technology-literate population is a critical national asset in the global market. Few U.S. citizens are selecting technical careers, and women are selecting these careers in far fewer numbers; the number of female systems analysts, programmers and postsecondary computer science teachers has decreased substantially. The number of women pursuing computer science degrees has declined considerably in the last 20 years. Statistics also indicate that the percentage of females entering computer science programs and careers in the United States has declined precipitously during the past decade and suggest this is unlikely to change.

Bagley's presentation will examine the research indicating why women are not pursuing technology careers and some changes that might have an effect on these numbers. Bagley also will discuss her research, which indicates the importance of collaboration as an especially important pedagogy to use in teaching computer science for women.

For more information about this presentation, e-mail Dr. Sherry Jordon.