What
comes to mind when you think of professions such as construction worker, engineer,
computer programmer, and architects? These are all male dominated careers. Gender differences are everywhere, especially
in the field of technology. There are many factors contributing to gender gaps
in technology. As educators what are some steps we can take to level the
divide?
Picciano (2011) explains that as
females advance into middle school and high school, there is a lack of interest
in technology. Removing barriers is critical to increase female participation
in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related fields. According to the following video by Microsoft
Research (2013), by 2018, there will be more than 1.4 million tech jobs open in
the United States and only 29 percent will be filled by women.
There is a lack of awareness of the importance
of computer science and the global impact. Educators can bridge the gap
through diversity and creativity by acting as role models for young girls. Women mentoring young females will engage and encourage them to pursue careers in the field of technology.
According to Huhman (2012), the U.S. Department of Commerce noted the lack of female engineers
with a 1:7 female to male ratio. Furthermore, since 2000 there has not been an
employment growth in STEM careers, with a staggering 20 percent of females
earning bachelor’s degrees in computer science. According to Heemskerk, Ten Dam,
Volman, and Admiraal (2009), females enjoy technology that emphasizes
creativity such as electronic games and software where males favor games that
are action oriented and focus on competition. Picciano (2011) explains that gender
attitudes toward technology also contribute to gender gaps. This divide indicates males
tend to favor activities such as computer clubs, going to summer computer camps
and majoring in computer science in college. Therefore, if technology skills
improve over time, males will be more successful in technology related fields. Understanding
gender preferences relating to technology is important when creating curriculum
that is appealing to females.
Everyone has a teacher who stands
out to them as making a difference in their education and possibly their career
path. But as educators, how can we remove barriers to engage more females in
technology? Stereotypes begin at an early age; therefore, it is critical for educators to introduce and encourage STEM related subjects to females as soon as
they enroll in school. Changing biases is not an overnight process, and will
require a deliberate effort to change skewed perceptions. According to Huhman (2012), encouraging females to study technology through programs such as
computer clubs and beginner programming courses should be implemented in elementary
school. These programs allow females to explore and develop new interests in technology
as well as expanding career options in the future. In addition, featuring the
accomplishments of women in STEM fields will inspire young girls to follow in
their footsteps.
References
Heemskerk,
I., Ten Dam, G., Volman, M., & Admiraal W. (2009).
Gender inclusiveness in educational technology
and
learning experiences of girls and
boys. Journal of
Research of Technology
in Education, 41(3), 253-276.
Huhman H. R. (2012). STEM fields and the gender gap: where
forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/06/20/stem-
fields-and-the-gender-gap-where-are-the-women/
Microsoft Research. (2013, February 15). Helping bridge the
gender gap in computing
careers [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
xnEJp8ef_sE
Picciano,
A. G. (2011). Educational leadership and
planning for
technology (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
