SIGCSE 2002 Panel Women, Math, and Computer Science Kim Potter Kihlstrom Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA

SIGCSE 2002Kim Kihlstrom 2 My Story High school: liked math Internship: electrical engineering (using math to solve problems) Undergrad: the defining moment Grad school: computer science/engineering Currently teaching CS

SIGCSE 2002Kim Kihlstrom 3 How We Come to CS Males Playing computer games Machine: experiment, push to limits, see what will do Example: remote control Females Beauty, order, elegance, logic Example: dorm room

SIGCSE 2002Kim Kihlstrom 4 Women and Self-Confidence Biggest hindrance: lack of confidence Not comfortable with machines May be more comfortable with mathematical foundations, concepts

SIGCSE 2002Kim Kihlstrom 5 Women and Helping People Want to help people Want to work together Want to be in relationship with others Helping people solve problems

SIGCSE 2002Kim Kihlstrom 6 What I Have Done in CS1/2 Three semesters, integrate discrete math Start with introduction to CS History, overview, algorithms, logic Group problem solving, algorithm development Move syntax to online materials, quizzes Use graphics library for final project