Computer Mania Day
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| Audience/Grade: | 6-8 |
| Discipline(s): |
Computer Engineering |
| Special Topic(s): |
Women and Information Technology |
| Learning Resource Type: |
Teaching - Course |
| Author(s): |
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| Description: | Did you know?? The percentage of female AP test takers indicating computer science as an intended major has steadily declined from 37% in 1991 to 14% today. Among the science and engineering workforce, computer science is the only area where women's participation has declined since 1993. A select sample of multiple county-level school system data reveals that girls in high schools make up only 5 - 7% of the students in the most challenging IT courses such as network design. In 2004 only 11% of Computer Science AB Advanced Placement test takers were girls. The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will host Computer Mania Day to provide a half day of technology-related activities geared for 6th - 8th grade girls and their parents. While boys are welcome, the focus is on girls because of their continuing under-participation in information technology classes and careers. This program is designed to provide a broad-based introduction to information technology applications to different careers. Up to 750 students will be gathered in small groups of no more than twenty-five, and the groups will rotate between information technology demonstration stations. At each station, the students will learn about the application of technology to the world of work through fun and interactive activities. An adult program will complement the day by providing information about causes for girls? low enrollment in technology courses and what adults can do to encourage girls to embrace technology. During the afternoon, adults will participate in a series of breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, which will help parents better prepare their children to enter careers in I.T. Adults will receive advice from I.T. business professionals, state education leaders, and school and college educators. Parents will also have the option of visiting several special topic seminars and taking a tour of the campus. This year's guest speaker will be Linda Leukhardt, CFO and VP for Northrop Grumman's Electronics System sector. |
| Rating: | No Rating |
| Related Resources | |
| Version Info | |
| Publication Date: | August 2005 |
| Platform/Format: |
WWW |
| Cost: |
Free |
| Download URL: | http://www.computer-mania.info/ |
| Metadata: |
IEEE LOM Record |
| Collection: |
NEEDS
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