The U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS) was instrumental in the development of what is now known as the field of numerical analysis and had a worldwide influence in defining the role of electronic computers in the scientific c  ... more

The U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS) was instrumental in the development of what is now known as the field of numerical analysis and had a worldwide influence in defining the role of electronic computers in the scientific community. Women played key roles in all aspects of early computing in the NBS, including mathematics, programming, engineering, and management. This paper outlines some of the substantial contributions of women in the early days of computing at the NBS.   less

The article analyzes the drop in female participation in computing courses in higher education in the UK. It corresponds to a change to the mathematization of the syllabus in contrast with the linguistic approach of earlier years,  ... more

The article analyzes the drop in female participation in computing courses in higher education in the UK. It corresponds to a change to the mathematization of the syllabus in contrast with the linguistic approach of earlier years, the mechanistic view of computing, and the absence of discussion of social, political, ethical, and legal issues. Responses include "taster" courses for schoolgirls and the establishment of a national coordinating body for Women in Computing.   less

Describes the process of starting a new program in computer science and engineering that is heavily based on applied mathematics and only open to women. Emphasizes that success requires considerable interest in mathematics and cur  ... more

Describes the process of starting a new program in computer science and engineering that is heavily based on applied mathematics and only open to women. Emphasizes that success requires considerable interest in mathematics and curiosity about computer science among female students at the secondary level and the acceptance of the single-sex program by the university.   less

Abstract: Although women do as well or better then most men in our introductory computer science cours, relatively few women even attempt the first course. We recently analyzed the transcripts of all computer science majors over t  ... more

Abstract: Although women do as well or better then most men in our introductory computer science cours, relatively few women even attempt the first course. We recently analyzed the transcripts of all computer science majors over the past five years in an attempt to determine why. We confirmed that women are doing as well as men throughout our curriculum. moreover we found that women out-performed men at every level of mathematics we studied. A survey of our current students revealed that both men and women believe that men surpass women in calculus. We present some strategies to correct that misconception, in the hope that it will encourage women to enter and remain in computer science.   less

Attitude surveys of university students revealed no gender differences in personal interest in and enjoyment of computers, but differences were found favoring males in computer knowledge, course experience, career intentions, conf  ... more

Attitude surveys of university students revealed no gender differences in personal interest in and enjoyment of computers, but differences were found favoring males in computer knowledge, course experience, career intentions, confidence, and positive attitudes toward mathematics. Women's apparent inhibition from persistence in IT "may be linked to their anxiety about their own skills and the communication, by male peers, of the attitude that women are less capable than men of learning about computers." (1989)   less

Abstract: What produces comfort with computers and how is comfort related to computer achievement for men and women? This study looks at the effects of comfort and prior spreadsheet knowledge on the ability to design spreadsheets  ... more

Abstract: What produces comfort with computers and how is comfort related to computer achievement for men and women? This study looks at the effects of comfort and prior spreadsheet knowledge on the ability to design spreadsheets by management science students. Results showed that comfort with computing is significantly correlated with test performance for women; for men, mathematics ability and relevance to their future career are more important. The study suggests that the quality of women's initial computing instruction is very important in affecting what they will accomplish in the future.   less

Abstract: Finds that computer and mathematics avoidance among women is the result of attitudes, expectations, and discrimination. Present-day creative computing relies upon skills not limited to those with a math and science orien  ... more

Abstract: Finds that computer and mathematics avoidance among women is the result of attitudes, expectations, and discrimination. Present-day creative computing relies upon skills not limited to those with a math and science orientation, and should prove a rewarding occupation to women.   less

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to nurture and encourage self-confidence and determination in young women in grades 6-8. Through online dialogues with successful role modela in science, mathematics, and computer science  ... more

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to nurture and encourage self-confidence and determination in young women in grades 6-8. Through online dialogues with successful role modela in science, mathematics, and computer science these young women explored career possibilities and identified issues that affect women in society.   less

None available.  ... more

None available.   less

Summary: "... women embrace the "precision" of mathematics." a quote from panelist Paul De Palma's viewpoint article "Why Women Avoid Computer Science" in the June 2001 CACM. Panelist Kim Kihlstrom notes "... I got into electrica  ... more

Summary: "... women embrace the "precision" of mathematics." a quote from panelist Paul De Palma's viewpoint article "Why Women Avoid Computer Science" in the June 2001 CACM. Panelist Kim Kihlstrom notes "... I got into electrical engineering and then computer science exactly because I love math." Henderson's evidence indicates that women performed better than men in a mathematically oriented first course in computer science, and women felt the course was more beneficial than a traditional programming oriented first course. Regarding a mathematically oriented functional programming course for high schools Kathi Fisler says "Our high school teachers have noticed females preferring this to a conventional curriculum by as much as 5 to 1 !"   less