Getting girls into ICT/Computer Science
On average each year computer science departments in Higher Education across the UK receive less than 25% of their undergraduate degree scheme enrollments by females.
As a secondary school ICT Teacher, I had noticed that the uptake of ICT and Computer Science by teenage girls in higher education was limited, and that female students would opt for more creative and academic subjects like Art, Dance, or Humanities.
I wanted to develop a network of individuals who could inspire a new generation to take up more traditionally geeky subjects. The theory being that if students could see how creative some careers are that they would be more inspired.
Working with young people, I know how powerful YouTube can be in grabbing their attention and entertaining them, whilst informing them too. I make videos for my lessons and put them on youtube so that students can access them in and outside of school to aid their learning. So, I decided to set up The Geek Gurl Diaries.
They are a collection of video logs and interviews about inspirational women in the fields of computing, science, technology and engineering. They also include contributions from women in IT on different subjects.
The Million Dollar Question
I have already begun this project by creating the branding, website, and some video content. The British Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) and their subdivision Computing At School have also backed the idea of a blog based YouTube channel.
What I need to move forward with this project is equipment to improve the quality of the videos to make them more appealing to the target audience of teenage girls.
In particular I need video editing software, microphones, tripods, and headphones.
Money Isn't Everything
More importantly I require inspiring individuals, both male and female, to contribute ideas, videos and interviews to make this project a success. I need teachers to introduce the channel to their students. I need people to talk about this subject in order for us to change the stereotypes.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this project, and for donating to make a difference.
