“FROM DUCKS TO DOJOS: HOW TO TEACH A TOOLKIT FOR DIVERSITY” by Lee
Conference:
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Title:
- FROM DUCKS TO DOJOS: HOW TO TEACH A TOOLKIT FOR DIVERSITY
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Abstract:
Creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace has become a focus of many tech companies in recent years, although the question of how best to do so remains open. While most people in the industry are aware of problems in the pipeline, attempting to address them at the end can only have limited success since much of the talent has already leaked out. A more effective place to direct this focus is toward the entry point of students into the world of computer science. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators all play a role in how accessible and equal computer science education is. The initial teaching style, and level of community support shapes the rest of a student’s interest and career. Education in this field should be like showing a child how to put together a toolkit; instead of providing a standardized set, they can be pushed to use their creativity and understanding to flesh it out themselves. Diversity comes naturally when people are given the freedom to customize their own kits, where the tools selected are specialized for what they want to build, be that games, apps, or servers. These kits then have individuality, and are the same ones subsequently carried into the workplace. The culture of an industry is shaped by the expectations of those that belong to it. Cultivating the beliefs of the next generation to leave out current unconscious biases naturally leads to a more equitable workplace and community for all. This talk will share observations and practices by seasoned educators with an emphasis on how to support those who are not yet sure of their foothold in this field. We will explore what seems to be going right, going wrong, and what everyone – from novices to veterans – can do to help day to day.
