Technology and Gendered Spaces: Examining Equity and Access
- Conference
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2018 CoNECD - The Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity Conference
- Location
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Crystal City, Virginia
- Publication Date
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April 29, 2018
- Start Date
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April 29, 2018
- End Date
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May 2, 2018
- Conference Session
- Tagged Topics
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Diversity and Gender
- Page Count
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6
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--29584
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/29584
- Download Count
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418
Paper Authors
Nicole Nieto Ohio State University
Nicole Nieto currently serves as Program Director for Ohio State ADVANCE in the Office of Research at The Ohio State University (OSU). She is responsible for creating and implementing workshops that address the specific needs of faculty and administration. She oversees all programming initiatives. She has previously held various roles at OSU, including Learning and Development Facilitator for the Office of Human Resources. Before that, she served in several capacities at the OSU Multicultural Center. Nicole is an experienced teacher and researcher, currently serving as adjunct faculty at Capital University, teaching courses on cultural pluralism. She also teaches courses at Ohio State in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from the University of Alabama, and a Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies with a graduate interdisciplinary specialization in folklore from Ohio State. Prior to coming to OSU, Nicole served as Assistant Director for International Student and Scholar Services at the University of Alabama.
Abstract
Recent allegations exposing hostile work environments in technology spaces have made headlines, bringing to light a culture that is generally unfavorable towards women, people of color and other targeted social identity groups. This workshop will examine the structural inequities and barriers women and other underrepresented groups face in technology spaces. Particular attention will be paid to gender. Specific strategies will be shared to increase representation and improve culture.
ASEE data shows that in 2015-2016 there were 112,721 bachelor’s degrees in engineering. Of these 20.8% were awarded to women with 12.3% in Computer and 16.3% in Computer Science (Outside Engineering) (Yoder 2017). These numbers are some of the lowest in representation of women among all engineering disciplines. This paper will explore reasons why women may be underrepresented.
It is important to consider ways in which representation can be increased and culture can be improved in institutions of higher education as well as in the technology profession. The Ohio State University’s ADVANCE office, in partnership with the OSU Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), has developed a training module to address inequities in technology spaces. This interactive workshop includes strategies for bias interventions, as well as pre- and post-assessments to measure effectiveness of the workshop.
Nieto, N. (2018, April), Technology and Gendered Spaces: Examining Equity and Access Paper presented at 2018 CoNECD - The Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity Conference, Crystal City, Virginia. 10.18260/1-2--29584
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