Women’s sense of belonging in computing education amidst a global pandemic

Porwal, Vinika

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115357 Copy

Description

Title

Women’s sense of belonging in computing education amidst a global pandemic

Author(s)

Porwal, Vinika

Issue Date

2022-04-10

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Kalantzis, Mary

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Cope, William

Committee Member(s)

• Pak, Yoon
• Montebello, Matthew

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Computing
• Technology
• Women in STEM
• STEM Education
• Belonging
• Community
• Sense of Belonging
• Stereotypes

Abstract

This descriptive study examined women’s feelings of fit and value in computer science courses amidst the rapid transition to online education necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative study supplemented previous quantitative research on women’s sense of belonging in computing by deeply exploring the women’s nuanced experiences with gender in face-to-face and online computing education. The findings contribute to educators’ understanding of how best to create inclusive educational environments for women studying computing. Research methods included in-depth, semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Data was coded and analyzed for themes. Women reported experiencing stereotypes about their abilities and micro-aggressions related to gender, in both face-to-face and online course formats. Validation of their competence, inclusive student communities, and positive interactions with students and professors promoted women’s sense of fit in computing. These findings emphasize the importance of gender-inclusive strategies to promote women’s sense of belonging in computing across course modalities.

Graduation Semester

2022-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Vinika Porwal

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