Bits/Bytes of Computer Science Information*

*(See what I did there?)

I'm currently at a Tapestry Workshop in Lincoln, NE, and on this first day have already learned about a ton of computer science resources I can use next year. One of the interesting facts I learned was about AP classes and AP tests given and the representation of women in the Computer Science tests/classes. Apparently, in statistics and biology and calculus, it's a roughly 50/50 male/female ratio. Guess what it is in CS? 81m/19f. There are probably also similar statistics for underrepresented segments of the population. Their point was that there is power in diversity, and everyone wins when an endeavor is diverse. Also, there's money in CS type jobs. Also, even the most basic jobs of the future will require understanding computational thinking; their example was a job ad for a dog catcher that required the applicant to not just be able to use technology, but to understand it.

Here are some resources I've learned of so far. I don't know how I'll incorporate them yet, but there is great potential.
Dot Diva (for girls in computing)
Bits & Bytes newsletter (scroll to the bottom for issues) (interesting articles about cs in the world)
CS Unplugged (cs activities you can do to introduce lessons or to take to non cs classes that don't need a computer)
Google in Education (who knew?)
Java Bat (good practice for the AP exam)
NCWIT (for getting more women in computing)

We've had 4 different speakers so far, and each has brought something to the table. Can't wait for tomorrow.


*Line stolen from this hysterically funny potty-mouthed lady.