Women in Computer Science @ University of Oregon

Need One More Credit This Spring? Try CIS407/507!

2011-03-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Have you heard all the hype about the Gender Gap in Computer Science? Wondering where it comes from and how to close it? Did you know that the original "computers" were actually women that were hired to do complex calculations?

If you're interested in hearing more about the history and future of women in technology, I invite you to take our one hour seminar this Spring. Wednesdays from 2-3pm, we'll be exploring fascinating contributions and issues surrounding women in computer science. This seminar will give you a chance to voice your opinions and explore all the ways that *you* can help close the gender gap in computer science. Sign up today...bring friends!

37277 - Undergrads
37278 - Grads

http://cisx07.blogspot.com/

http://www.cs.uoregon.edu/classes/11S/cis407wit/

Computationally Thinking

2011-03-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

For the last two years, I've been doing research focused around women in technology; more specifically, getting young girls interested in computing. In all of my reading, research and interrogations, what I have determined is that "computational thinking" might just be the concept that helps bridge the gender gap.

Computational thinking is in the middle of an identity crisis right now. The scientific population doesn't yet have a standardized definition, though one is beginning to materialize. My view on CT differs slightly, but I elaborate on that in another post.

First, let me state that I acknowledge that not everyone fits snugly into a gender stereotype. There are certainly women that will not fit the descriptions that follow. I don't mean to imply that anyone outside of the groups I discuss are somehow less "female," just that they are less indicative of the majority.

Formalities aside, let's address the reason why I believe that CT can help draw girls toward technology. Bear with me, this is a bit of an indirect and bumpy ride.

The female mind is an incredible thing. From infancy, studies show that the mind of the average female tends to be far more empathetic than that of a male. Such empathy is an expression of a fundamental difference in the way that women solve problems. In general, the empathetic brain looks for emotional cues and facial expressions to assess the validity of a decision, while a systematic brain (typical male brain) uses behavioral queues. This means that machine related tasks come relatively easily for men, but leave women cold as they lack the emotive qualities that we seek. When someone fiddles with a program or gadget and the behavior of its response changes, a man is likely to absorb that change and consider the gathered information useful. A female brain, while easily capable of accurately taking note of the data, is less likely to have an intuitive reaction to it.

That one difference goes a long way toward explaining why young girls consider computer science to be "hard" and "masculine." Without emotional feedback, technology doesn't naturally fulfill a woman's instinctual learning methods. This is why we see such a large percentage of women in people-related jobs. Even in 2009, the most popular female careers were secretaries, nurses, teachers, and cashiers. All receive frequent face-to-face interaction which is a supplement to pay rate when considering how rewarding their job is.

Now, take an empathetic woman with a high-desire for emotional reward and place her in a career that often requires many hours of individual performance - where the majority of her feedback comes from a compiler in cryptic, uninspired messages - and you have a recipe for a very dissatisfied employee.

By now, you're probably asking yourself why computational thinking has any effect on the above scenario. In a word...understanding.

The beauty of an empathetic mind is the ability to sympathize with, relate to, and understand views other than those which they have previously experienced. Computational thinking is the tool that links sympathy and the machine.

Again, I'll save my detailed beliefs on the definition of computational thinking for another day, but in short, CT is the ability to comprehend what is needed for a computer to do its job. It's more than just a list of steps that one does to prepare code for a solution. It is, instead, a method for understanding the needs of a computational entity so that one can either process a problem to make it solvable by computer *or* look at a problem from the viewpoint of a computer. Either way, it's a symbiotic junction which allows a human to relate to a machine and in my opinion, that's a very important first-step toward translating "hard," "masculine" feedback into meaningful personal cues.

What Would You Choose: Brains or Beauty? (edited)

2011-01-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

Recently, this little infographic has caused quite the bustle on the internet. Having been called "The Saddest Pink Infographic About Women In Tech You’ll Ever See," controversy is brewing as to whether or not this is the kind of publicity that women in computer science need.

Personally, I think this is fantastic. Don't get me wrong, I'm not the type to limit girls to dolls and boys to trucks, but I don't see any problem with leveraging a form of entertainment which tweens actively seek out in fashion magazines and online apps.

Let's start, first, with the idea that intelligent women "deserve more than this". Yes. That's true. They do. But they deserve more than this without excluding this. The big ol' pink infographic to the left is an extremely flattering representation of both mind and overall persona. Why should a woman be limited to choosing brains or beauty? The two are not mutually exclusive. That's a point I've been trying to get across for a very long time! Why is it an insult to a woman's intelligence to call her beautiful? Isn't it okay to recognize all of the areas where she's putting in hard work?

Secondly, this infographic is cartoonish and sassy. There is no point where it tries to pass itself off as indisputable fact. The steps along the way may be cheeky, but if you don't like one of the options, you won't select it and it won't represent you. Personally, I am completely willing to give this card the thumbs-up.

The Women of Computer and Information Science Need You!

2011-01-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Now is the time to get involved with WoCIS if you have any interest in helping to bring computer science you young girls. We have a couple of really big projects in the works and need as much help as we can get to bring them to fruition.

At today's WoCIS meeting (Wed at 2pm) we gave our projects code names.

Project HATCH:
The women of CIS will teach a small group of high school students some simple programming techniques. We will then take those high school students to a local elementary school, where we will all teach girls from grades 3-5 how to make a mini-program. This project takes little to no previous programming experience. We'd like to recruit 2-3 current CIS women to help us with this project. Planning meetings can be either Monday afternoon/evening or Tuesday morning.

Project Seedling:
The women of CIS will develop an elementary school assembly and travel to local schools to give 45min to 1 hour long presentations. We will play, inspire, talk and teach our way through the city. This one will require quite a bit of content and a handful of speakers so it would be nice to recruit some current women in CIS to help get this started. Any volunteers?

We would love for you to get involved. If you're interested in helping, whether you're male or female, please email me to be put on the list for whichever group interests you. Together, we can spread a love for CS to girls and women.

Computational Thinking Video Blog

2010-12-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

Picture Me in Computing

2010-11-07T15:38:00.001-08:00

Last night, I was eating dinner with my sons when my youngest said,
"Raise your hand if you're a silly boy!"

To be funny, I raised my hand with a great-big grin. My seven-year-old immediately looked at me and said
"You're not a boy, you're just a girl that does boy things."

Perplexed, I asked,
"Like what?"

He got a questioning look on his face and said timidly,
"You play with computers and those are boy toys."

I was speechless. There were no words for what I was feeling. How could it possibly be that *my* son, a boy that sees me on the computer for 90% of my waking hours could dare to call a computer a boy toy? I certainly wasn't promoting that idea. When questioned, he told me that computers had Lego games and Hot Wheel games and lots of other boy things on them and implied that I was somehow using them for things other than what they were intended to be used for.

It occurred to me that his impressions were based on *his* experiences and not mine. He's not on Facebook with me. He's not browsing for new purses, selling things on Etsy or looking up hairstyles. He's playing racing games, dinosaur learning games and other things that I've tailored to his individual tastes. Is there maybe a way to fabricate an environment for little girls that make computers feel like a "girl toy?"

Help us come up with a solution. Join Wednesday's digital flashmob with Picture Me in Computing! Tag all of your social media interactions for the day of 11-10-10 with #picmecomp and help bring the idea of Women in Computer Science straight to young girls! For more information on how to participate, visit:

http://picturemeincomputing.org/index.php?q=participate

Maria Klawe comes to the UO

2010-10-19T13:09:00.001-07:00

10-28-10, 7:30 pm - 110 Knight Law Center

This month's distinguished lecture will feature Maria Klawe, President of Harvey Mudd College. WICS members have been given the unique opportunity to meet with Klawe before her talk at 3:30 pm on Thursday the 28th. Please RSVP for location.

Maria's talk will focus on gender issues with women in computer science. The abstract is as follows:

Gender and Computing

This talk explores how girls and women differ from boys and men in their uses of and attitudes towards computing technology, and how this affects career choices and technology design. From playing computer games to pursuing computing careers, the participation of females tends to be low compared to that of males. Why is this? We discuss research findings on this issue, as well as best practices for increasing and retaining the participation of females in computing

WICS Wednesdays

2010-09-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Come join us for a new and improved
WICS WEDNESDAY!

11:30 am - 12:30 pm: WICS lunch & meeting in Deschutes 100

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: FUNdamentals in Deschutes 100

I will also be available for individual one-on-one appointments.
Email me @ kiki@cs.uoregon.edu to set one up!

Check out the basket!

2010-09-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ladies, have you ever been working late in the lab when you spill a little soda on your blouse right before a big interview? Forget your contact solution at home? Feel like your breath is getting kind of raunchy? Make your way up to the second floor bathroom and help yourself to the various necessities in the basket on the counter.

Calling All Women - Video Blog

2010-07-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's All About Class - Video Blog

2010-07-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

Help Pull Undergrad Women into CIS!

2010-05-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Given that I'll be teaching CIS170 this summer, it's a great opportunity to pull-in and retain some CIS majors! Please help me spread the word to undergrad friends to register for CRN#42976. Class will not be required on Fridays, and we'll be covering many interesting subjects.

This aims to be a very entertaining class, with plenty of flexibility to choose subjects based on what people are interested in. Please pass the word around to all of your undergrad friends and try to inspire at least 5 more people to sign up. This class counts as a general science, but it would also make a WONDERFUL elective for someone who just wants to fill space in their schedule over the summer.

Whether you need preparation to begin a major, want a refresher on the things that you already know, or are desperate to find four more credits to fill your Summer term for financial aid, this is the class for you!

Women LITERALLY in Computers

2010-04-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

Some may be upset by the idea that even in computer science, women are still being wooed by shoes and jewelry. That idea doesn't upset me at all. I think that the current trend of repurposing old computer parts is fun and very, very geek chic.

Take a look at these heels by Steven Rodrig (Gizmodo). They don't look very comfortable, but they make one heck of a statement! Walk a mile in our shoes...you'll see how difficult it can be!

Another beautiful use of old circuitry is this lovely and very artistic jewelry by Bonnie Meltzer. She goes above and beyond using old computer bits tacked to the end of a wire, actually weaving the parts and pieces into lovely and fragile neckware. So, if you're a woman who embraces both technology and fashion, maybe it's time to embrace technology *in* fashion.

Some Light Reading

2010-01-27T21:15:00.000-08:00

I've long believed that a girl's confidence in the sciences correlates to that of her mother's. As it turns out, it may also have to do with the confidence of her teachers! This article in the Durango Herald suggests that the majority of math teachers are women and the confidence that they may or may not have will seep into their female students. Take a look at the article. What do you think?

This article on CNET from Carnegie Mellon suggests that men seek out the science of computing, while women see computing as a useful tool in achieving other goals. They also believe that computer science education is actually tailored to a small and specific slice of male students. I'd love to hear what you have to say about this. There's so much speculation and I definitely have some ideas of my own. What are yours?

If Barbie(TM) Can Do It, So Can YOU!

2010-01-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

We all have our opinion of Barbie(TM), but regardless of our own personal memories, that little plastic girl affects children everywhere. Now, It's up to us to help get our mission through to the youth of the nation using the reputation that she's worked so hard to build.

Right now at Barbie.com you can vote on her next career. Within the five choices provided is Computer Engineer! Let's vote at http://www.barbie.com/vote/ and use this small opportunity to help change the stigma of Women in Computer Science!

Image Courtesy of Mattel & Barbie.com

Welcome Back!

2010-01-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all and welcome back! Winter term is going to begin a building phase for the women of computer science. Our goal is to inspire those who have decided that they want to try computer science and encourage them to seek strength in numbers. If you know any women with questions, please give them my email (kiki@cs.uoregon.edu).

This term, we'll be starting a study group for the women of the 200 level courses. I've heard that there's a healthy representation in 313 as well, so maybe we'll get a weekly meeting together there also. Most of all, we would love to have some volunteers to help us go to the grade schools and out into the community. Please contact me if you are interested in putting in some time into our philanthropy.

WICS MOVIE NIGHT!

2009-11-23T15:44:00.001-08:00

Ready for another WICS Movie and Munchies night? I am!

Join us from 6-8 pm on Monday, November 30th when we will be watching a geek's MUST KNOW favorite "War Games." We'll have plenty of good food and some chances to win.

Everyone who brings food (homemade or store bought) will be eligible to win a Free Tack Town Buffet. Those who vote on best munchies will be entered to win a Google Goodie bag. Come get in on your chance for some early holiday loot!

Email me with questions at kiki@cs.uoregon.edu!

New WICS Phone Number!

2009-11-18T10:57:00.001-08:00

WICS now has a new and permanent phone number, thanks to Google Voice! You can call or text (541) 701-WICS ... that's (541) 701-9427 to reach Kiki or whoever's in the WICS office. We look forward to hearing from you!

WICS and ACM, the Perfect Combination!

2009-09-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Already planning on being part of the ACM Programming Competition November 7? If you are, you should definitely come check out some Women in Computer Science meetings and meet some of the people who've done it in the past.

Already planning on attending the October 26 Movies and Munchies night for WICS? If so, you should definitely try one of the ACM game nights on Wednesdays at 5 in Deschutes 100. Many of the same people will be in attendance and they also have goodies and fun!

WICS and ACM are not mutually exclusive, in fact, I think they compliment each other nicely. Let's try to pump up attendance of both CIS clubs this year so we can get funding increased and allow for even more entertaining activities!

WICS isn't Just for Women Anymore!

2009-09-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, WICS is proud of women. We want to encourage more women to enter computer science. We are, however, also proud of men. We'd like to see more men in the program, too. Hey, toss some more young'uns into the mix and you'd have one really happy WICS coordinator!

This year, WICS focus is bringing CIS people of all ages, races and genders together. We're going to mix-it up, quite literally.

Since I'm on the subject of this year in WICS, maybe it's a good time to share some of our plans and intentions. This is also a formal invitation for you to volunteer to help make these happen. WICS is going to be working on several levels this year. First, we're going to be mixing genders on campus for all of our meetings, events and offerings. Secondly, we're going to reach out to different age groups, from grade-school all the way up to retirement homes, mixing generations. Lastly, we're going to bring ourselves out into the community, mixing our tech experience with other departments on campus and fields in the work-force. Let me fill in some details.

I'd like to make clear that even though WICS stands for Women In Computer Science, our support is extended to anyone who also supports women in computer science. That means anyone is welcome to attend our group events as long as they can respect the integration of both genders in the industry. This is not to say that we won't be willing to hold private office hours for women with concerns. We will definitely be making ourselves available for hashing out issues that arise as ideologies and axioms collide. Even so, WICS membership will be open to any gender. In short, cookies for everyone!!

Welcoming all ages is an important part of furthering our goals this year. I firmly believe that if we plant a seed in the minds of the young, it will change the way they think about computers. I also think that if we can help the older generations get comfortable with a few programs, then they will want to learn more. With a big enough volunteer commitment, we can reach every age group inbetween. A few of us will be going to grade schools to show the students how interactive programming can be. Another group will be mentoring high school students and accompanying them to retirement homes where we will show the residents how to write and receive email.

Finally, we're going to start taking field trips. I hope to get us out in groups. Out to movies, local theater, local restaurants, let's show people that we know how to socialize. We'll also try to find ways to help other areas of the university with our mad skillz. Time to wake this place up!

I hope you enjoyed hearing more about what we want to accomplish. Please feel free to send an email or come by to discuss your ideas and ways that you think we can make ourselves useful.

WICS pics

2009-09-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

What, we have a club for women in computer science? Actually, yes! Help me prove it by capturing a group of us together on film. We'll be meeting in the lobby of Deschutes at 10:45 am this Tuesday, September 8.

We'll have pictures taken outside (weather permitting) then come back in for a potluck lunch. Please feel free to either bring your own meal or bring a dish for everyone to share!

You're welcome to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, or whatever you think expresses you best. You may bring props, if you feel like they project a positive image of women in computer science.

Please note that these images will be used on the WICS site as well as in other types of media for publicity, including Facebook. We hope to have a great turnout. See you there!

JavaScript can make cookies too!

2009-08-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Not that I'm trying to be stereotypical, but it just so happens that we have some women in the UOCIS department that love to bake cookies...myself included! Well, as a happy coincidence there's a way to make cookies with code. Browser cookies aren't nearly as enticing, but they *are* something worth leaning to make, so I thought I'd guide you to a simple recipe.

When it comes to browsers, cookies get a bad rep. There is a common misconception that cookies can be used to infect your computer with viruses or to steal your information. In reality, cookies are just a small text file that indicate to a source that you have already visited a site so that you don't need to be re-verified. They're a client-server version of the Unix "Magic Cookie" (which is said to be how they got their delectable moniker) containing a domain name that the cookie pertains to, a name-value pair and an expiry date.

Okay, now that you know what they are, you may be tempted to make one! The good news is, it's a relatively easy process in JavaScript. Quirksmode has a great tutorial here. Once you create the cookie, you can just treat it as a string to read in the values. It's a simple and handy item to add to your bag of tricks!

http://www.quirksmode.org/js/cookies.html
http://www.cookiecentral.com/faq/#1.2

WOOT for WICS!

2009-08-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Less than 12 hours on facebook and we have 29 friends! We've got followers on Twitter and a brand new website! Now is a really good time to be a supporter of women in computer science!

If you're eager to attend our events, or if you're just curious about what we're up to, your one-stop update source is the WICS website.
You're also welcome to follow us on Twitter (WICSUO), become a friend on Facebook or read our blog.

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to send me an email or drop by my office (Deschutes 254). Together, we can make this the best year for WICS so far!

WICS in the 21st Century!

2009-08-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

We've come a long way, baby! It used to be that if women wanted to communicate with their female peers, they would have to dial up Ma Bell and wait for a connection, then decipher through the fuzz what their cohort was saying. Even worse, they would have to actually get out of their comfortable chair and hike down the hall in their not-so-sensible heels to grab a colleague's attention. Well, those days are gone! WICS is now on Twitter, Blogger and Facebook, so now we're coming to you INSTANTLY, whenever you need us, with out fear of blisters or corns!