ERIC Number: EJ1131324
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1792-8788
EISSN: N/A
Computer Science and Engineering Students Addressing Critical Issues Regarding Gender Differences in Computing: A Case Study
Tsagala, Evrikleia; Kordaki, Maria
Themes in Science and Technology Education, v1 n2 p179-194 2008
This study focuses on how Computer Science and Engineering Students (CSESs) of both genders address certain critical issues for gender differences in the field of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). This case study is based on research conducted on a sample of 99 Greek CSESs, 43 of which were women. More specifically, these students were asked to respond to a specially designed questionnaire addressing the following issues: a) essential motives in selecting CSE as a subject of study, their primary experience with computers and their family's views regarding CSE as a career prospect, b) the relationship between gender, strengths and weaknesses in CSE and cooperation with fellow students of the opposite gender, c) the desirability of having both male and female University Professors in CSE, d) CSE courses and CSESs choice, and e) career issues. The analysis of the data shows that: a) gender inequality in CSE still exists at tertiary level, b) there is a number of students of both genders who feel interest and self confident in CSE, they believe in equality in competence of both genders in CSE and have dreams of a job with prospects as computer professionals, c) interest, self confidence in CSE are closely related to previous experience with computers and to the encouragement by family and school to learn about computers, and d) the general atmosphere and policy in CSE Departments play an essential role for women-students to feel as equals to their male counterparts.
Descriptors: Computer Science Education, Engineering Education, College Students, Gender Differences, Case Studies, Foreign Countries, Questionnaires, Course Selection (Students), Majors (Students), Decision Making, Computer Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Career Choice, Student Characteristics, Cooperation, Gender Issues
Themes in Science and Technology Education. The Educational Approaches to Virtual Reality Technologies Laboratory, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GR 45110, Greece. Tel: +30-2651005697; Fax: +30-2651005854; Web site: http://earthlab.uoi.gr/theste
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Greece
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A