diversity initiative

Mason Guild guides more women into computing

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:56:59 +0000

Mason Guild guides more women into computing Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/09/2021 - 11:56

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Break Through Tech’s mission to propel more women into computing is off to a good start with the first Mason Guild program ending July 30.

"You're all now a part of the Break Through Tech family," says Break Through Tech DC director Donna White to the group of over 60 women from ��ӽ紫ý and Northern Virginia Community College.

Starting on July 26, they met via Zoom for a week-long program to introduce women to computing in meaningful ways. Sponsored by Break Through Tech DC, faculty and teaching assistants from Mason’s Department of Computer Science and Department of Information Sciences and Technology taught students the basics of computing and the unique opportunities a computing degree can provide.

At the start of the week, the instructors divided students into teams and challenged them to design, code, and test an app that solves educational technology problems. Pati Ruiz from the nonprofit Digital Promise inspired the students on the possibilities of educational technology.

Participants could focus on any angle and level of education, from helping elementary school teachers to college students. Students learned how to code throughout the week and then applied their knowledge to their project and other exercises, like designing an adventure app using AppLab.

Industry mentors from Microsoft, MasterCard, Booz Allen, and Verizon met with students throughout the week to share insight into computing careers.

In Monday’s session, mentors shared something they are still learning in their careers. “Technology. It is always changing, and in this field, I am always learning new things,” says mentor Jan Adams. And this sentiment was reiterated throughout Guild.

“You need to stay ahead on new technology,” says Candace Williams from Microsoft. “You have to compete with the boys.”

Additionally, mentors helped students test their apps for usability. “You need to empathize with your user because at the end of the process, what you develop is meant for someone else,” says Shvetha Soundararajan, Break Through Tech DC co-site lead and assistant professor of computer science.

At the end of the week, student teams presented their projects to faculty, mentors, and friends. “The final projects showed a lot of thought put into solving real-world educational technology problems. The attendees applied the design thinking process, and with the help of their mentors, created brilliant app prototypes,” says Shahnaz Kamberi, an instructor for Guild and associate professor of computer science.

Teams made apps that included interactive games and resources to help college students manage their time and plan their degrees, teach elementary-aged children various subjects, and support teachers and parents with their children’s education.

“When posing the design challenge to the teams, we acknowledged that there are several apps available today and emphasized that their solutions should be unique. We encouraged the participants to consider the unique selling proposition of their app,” says Soundararajan. “The teams enthusiastically met the challenge and created innovative, unique, and much-needed EdTech solutions. Their final presentations and demos were outstanding. Several participants remarked that they would like to fully implement their apps, and I eagerly look forward to using those.”

In addition to the Guild program, Break Through Tech DC has other upcoming initiatives to expand the number of women in computing. On August 16, applications will open for their winter Sprinternship program, a paid mini-internship experience in tech that includes a series of career development workshops.

Topics

information sciences and technology

Fighting the fires of social and racial unrest

Mariam Aburdeineh — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:16:18 +0000

Fighting the fires of social and racial unrest Mariam Aburdeineh Thu, 01/21/2021 - 15:16

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Gregory Washington

To honor the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize those on campus who actively live out his vision, ��ӽ紫ý will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Evening of Reflection and awards ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

“This year, it is particularly important to continue on with the Evening of Reflection, as we consider the state of our nation,” said Hamal Strayhorn, director of the Office of Coalition Building and Diversity Education at Mason. “Our nation has experienced the loss of 400,000 lives to COVID-19, social and economic disparity in full view, the continuation of black bodies being murdered by police without accountability and racial unrest. On Jan. 6 we all witnessed a failed insurrection in our nation’s capital, which was rooted in divisiveness and racism.”

“Our hope is that students and attendees will understand that in our nation and world there is still a lot of work to do around issues of social justice, equity and inclusion and that ‘the time is always right to do what is right,’” Strayhorn said, quoting Dr. King.

Mason President Gregory Washington will be the event’s keynote speaker and will address this year’s theme of “The Burning House,” which comes from another Dr. King quote:

“I’ve come upon something that disturbs me deeply. We have fought hard and long for integration, as I believe we should have, and I know we will win, but I have come to believe that we are integrating into a burning house…”

“How will our commitment to anti-racism work be like the ‘firefighters’ preventing the ‘house’ from burning completely down?” Strayhorn said. “[President Washington] will also look at how the work of anti-racism touches and affects our students, professional members, the local community, the commonwealth and eventually our nation.”

Following the keynote address, representatives from the student body will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to the theme, the work the university is doing around anti-racism, or how they can play a part in keeping Dr. King’s vision at the forefront of social change, Strayhorn said.

Students, faculty and staff who are doing influential work centered on Dr. King’s vision will also be honored with the Spirit of King Awards.

“The MLK Evening of Reflection shows that ��ӽ紫ý is committed to diversity, excellence, and inclusion and to addressing the hard questions of where we are as a people and nation,” Strayhorn said.