Collaboration and Inclusivity in STEM+C — Annotated Resources

This compilation of annotated resources includes subjects such as diversity, inclusion, and equity, focusing on the impacts they have in STEM fields. With a better understanding of the negative outcomes resulting from the lack of diversity, inclusion, and equity, potential solutions can be examined and tested to identify those that are most viable and effective. [MLH]

Contributors

Megan L. Horton [MLH] — Originating Author
Jody Paul [JP]

Resources

Click on ▸ to reveal more detail.
      • In order to reach the 4 goals set by Colorado Rises, the Colorado Department of Higher Education has outlined a plan and organizations that will carry out their implementations. The various goals are meant to target students and encourage them to receive some form of higher education, through innovative and affordable education programs, providing student success services such as peer mentors, purposely recruiting or hiring minorities, and “linking college and careers”. The “Take Action,” section encourages community involvement by providing ideas as to how to get involved. The site also provides an “Equity Toolkit,” containing how-to manuals and professional input.
      • [MLH]: I value the local implementation. Goals and plans to achieve them are very clear. The site is full of so many valuable resources. There is a very obvious focus on achieving equality.
      • This is the website for a program geared towards engaging K-12 grades in computer science. CSEd Week occurs one week a year, promoting “one-hour of code” tutorials, on code.org. The website is also a compilation of recent news from other sources and provides support for teachers interested in adding computer science into their curricula.
      • [MLH]: I enjoyed looking though the related sources on this site and how it is meant for all ages and stages of learners. It encourages engagement of those in and out of the technical community.
      • Engage CS Edu is a website developed by the National Center for Women & Information Technology, meant to serve as a forum and community for educators interested in incorporating diversity into entry computer science courses. Teachers are encouraged to share lesson plans where they have successfully integrated principles of inclusion and equity.
      • [MLH]: Although this site is not fully developed, there is an option to share the lesson plans that other teacher wrote mostly concerning diversity in the realm of computer science.
      • In the year 2000, the USA thought it important to include questions on the census in order to better understand the effects of the digital economy boom. The report “Falling Through the Net” was written to summarize all of its findings. Tables and graphs display breakdowns of the data by categories like state, age, income, disability status, and others, to show the access of computers and the internet.
      • [MLH]: This is an old source and is unlike the other sources. It doesn’t focus on education. It simply is results of questions on the census pertaining to computer and internet access. I like that the study included data collected from individuals with disabilities.
      • With a focus on introductory computer science courses, this study explores the effects of upper level peer mentors on students confidence and attitudes towards computer science. Results were gathered from both the mentor and mentee. Both consistently saw confidence level improvements and better understanding of the subject. The idea of promoting inclusion not only involves intermingling students from different grade levels, but was also part of the discussion mentors encouraged during meetings.
      • [MLH]: In the Introduction of the study, data is provided on the percentages of women and diversity in computing. This issue is clearly outlined before a solutions is provided. I also liked that this was a viable option that put less stress on university staff, and provides diversity training to students who might not have before been exposed to different perspectives.
      • Stuck in the Shallow End depicts the segregation in computing that develops due to the inequality of lower income school districts not having the funds or time to focus on a comprehensive computing program. The study includes the implications on the students psyche and what they in turn believe they are capable of. Structural changes to the education system are necessary for both students and teachers to be better equipped to close the equity gaps.
      • [MLH]: The metaphor to swimming really helps to encompass all deep rooted reasons that diversity is not as often seen in computer science. “RESPECT 2019: Yes, We Still Need to Talk About Diversity in Computing.” provides a really great definition of equity applicable to this book and discussion.
      • Margolis and Fisher showcase their research on the disparity of women enrolling and completing a Computer Science Degree. Included are first hand accounts from students at Carnegie Mellon University, covering topics such as which factors attracted them to computer science, their confidence in computing, and their university experiences. The authors delve into the social constructs and their constraints in “Unlocking the Clubhouse” in order to develop a more gender inclusive computer science environment.
      • [MLH]: This source provided insight into the real responses of computer science students when addressing issues on diversity in the profession. Direct quotes make up a bulk of the book.
      • Great Unsung Women of Computing is a 3 piece documentary series focused on a few of the major impacts women have had in Computing fields. The first episode focuses on six women who in 1946, were hired by the military to program ENIAC, the first ever programable computer. The second episode is about two women who from opposite sides of the world, have had a monumental impact on technology, while simultaneously inspiring other females to enter the occupation/field. The last episode focuses on impact computer scientist will have on the future.
      • [MLH]: One point I found interesting was that there was an obvious decrease in the amount of women in the field during the first episode and the second. This ties into the graph depicted in “What Happened to Women in Computer Science.”
      • In order to examine the impact of pre-college computing exposure on a students current major choice, a survey of college level volunteers was conducted to collect relevant personal data. The goal was to gain an understanding of the early exposure that both sexes receive and its correlation to their degree choice, hoping to assist in creating a more diverse computer science program. This article contains numerical results from the studies and presents data in various forms. Although not in the bulk of the paper it additionally looks at global issues of diversity in computing and the effects of their interventions.
      • [MLH]: As a female, CS student, who received very little exposure to computers pre-college, it was interesting to see where I fell in these statistics. I honestly had no idea what the Computer Science degree entailed until I began the program. My degree choice was influenced by my work experience in a technical/ factor setting.
      • This article was written to reiterate the past and present issues of diversity in computing. Data on diversity in the current job market shows the inherit need for minorities to be included and targets academia and its need for improvement. Research on Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT, focuses on correcting the injustice that come from a lack of inclusion and equity.
      • [MLH]: I feel that this article should be read first, because it was recently written written and gives an update on our current disparity of diversity in computing. One of my favorite quotes from the article that clarifies the term Equity in regards to Computer Science: “Equity means that we recognize that not everyone has had equal access to computing education, and we strive to correct that imbalance.”
      • The “Ouch Series” is a set of training tools that teaches students to communicate when issues of diversity and inclusion arise, or possible bias actions occur. Encouraging respectful communications can help to make a mutually respectfully workplace.
      • [MLH]: I like the way that stereotypes are broken down and established as potentially hurtful. Differences can be recognized without grouping people with certain qualities together.
      • The intent of this study is to explore the impact of mentor programs on first and second year STEM students. The researchers discovered that students with mentors in the PROGRESS program were equipped with a network of in-industry support systems and relationships. Another aspect of the study gauged interest in the sciences and the development of the students scientific identity.
      • [MLH]: I like this study as a solution to the noted lack of women in STEM. A workshop was conducted and then resources provided to students participating in the PROGRESS Program, which is essentially networking events for students and industry professionals.
      • This article, was initially a radio broadcast in October of 2014. The article contains a visual depicting the once exponentially increasing number of women interested in Computer Science major, and the dramatic plateau and drop it suffered after 1984. This is also contrasted against popularity of women in other majors.
      • [MLH]: The graph shows the dramatic decline of women in computer science after peaking in the 1980’s. Once again highlighting the disparity of Women’s interest in computer science not only to what it once was, but also in comparison to other degree disciplines.
      • Whitney and Taylor share their personal experiences as women within the computing community, including academia. Following their recollections, the section “What Can You Do” iterates the ways in which programs to help diversify are in action and ways that readers can help the movement.
      • [MLH]: The idea is to see quantifiable results of diversity by sharing personal experiences and ways the community can get involved. I like the focus on action and accountability from everyone.
      • Global Diversity Practice is a consulting company specializing in educational interventions meant to open perspectives on diversification and inclusion. The focus is to help others to appreciate the differences of team members and use them to be more innovative and inclusive, while becoming more efficient and effective.
      • [MLH]: While not necessarily focusing the tech sector, they have proven results that their techniques help to shift employee views on opening the minds of those they teach.
      • The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a program dedicated to diversifying the faculty of Science and Engineering departments, by improving the advancement of females and other minority staff . The website contains a collection of resources, ranging from workshops and lectures to links for grant applications. Another goal of the Institute is to maintain a healthy climate for a diverse work environment.
      • [MLH]: This source mentions implicit bias on their homepage. I also thought it important that the workplace environment was a focus. This is very applicable to the environment that fosters student diversity.
Recommend a Resource