Key points:
- Inclusion can drive more women to work in AI and tech fields
- Report finds persistent STEM career exposure gaps for women
- 3 free STEAM education resources to nurture student curiosity
- For more news on STEM equity, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM hub
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the technology education sphere. As AI develops and integrates further into societal applications like careers, it’s essential to recognize the importance of gender equity. By ensuring equal opportunities for all, educators can create a more innovative, impactful, and representative tech ecosystem.
Educators have the responsibility of making sure that the brightest minds are encouraged and supported in the tech field–regardless of age, gender, or background. Diverse perspectives are set to make AI and technology among the most meaningful contributions to society, but it’s crucial to open up teaching opportunities to all to achieve this.
The gender gap in technology ed
There is an obvious gender disparity in STEM careers. As of 2023, women only made up 23 percent of the global workforce in tech, information, and media. This seems like a small amount, but it’s actually up from previous years. Women have been underrepresented in tech-forward fields throughout history. Even when they achieved great milestones and innovated outstanding tech, their stories were overshadowed. However, the advancement of AI has created a talent shortage–and women are stepping up to the challenge.
Developing inclusive curricula
Strides are being taken by the media, job seekers, employers, and educators to encourage women to enter the STEM field–particularly to advance AI. Whether or not enough is being done is up for debate. The persisting gender gap has leached into the motivations female students have to enter STEM. There is a mismatch in female students who score highly on science and technology aptitude tests and those same students’ interest in STEM career paths.
When developing curricula, educators should keep diversity and inclusion top of mind. This looks like including:
- Diverse perspectives that resonate with learner identities and interests, such as female role models in the field
- Real-world relevance that highlights how students will be able to apply learned information to their lives practically, such as discussing AI applications in healthcare or social justice
- Ethical considerations that grapple with the implications of AI use in addition to teaching technical aspects–for example, discussing gender biases and how AI can contribute to or eradicate them in study samples or hiring processes
It’s important to remember that inclusivity benefits everyone, providing all students with a more well-rounded experience and understanding of the subject matter. Underrepresented groups, such as female and minority tech students, will feel more empowered to contribute to the field when they see themselves reflected in success stories.
Offering diverse mentorship programs
In addition to weaving diverse perspectives into curricula, educators can offer students diverse mentorship opportunities. In mentoring, it’s critical to ensure a safe space for students, especially female students, to ask questions, seek guidance, and build up their confidence. A diverse pool of mentors and an intuitive matching process can open up a whole new world where students start believing in their tech abilities. A female mentor, for example, can also offer insights into possible career paths–and even job opportunities in emerging industries. This ability to lean on someone they trust will equip students with the skills they need to make informed decisions and boost their future in AI and tech.
Getting creative: Encouraging gender diversity in AI and tech
Attracting women to STEM involves a bit of creativity. A traditionally male-dominated field can be intimidating to join for fear of oppression, harassment, and silencing. Many female students know the value they can bring to the tech table, but need that extra push to ensure they know their voices will be heard.
Innovative solutions to get female tech students engaged include hands-on events. Consider organizing hackathons that focus on real-world issues like sustainability or another field of students’ choice. Encouraging everyone to participate can show women the real-life impact their tech skills can have on the world and on subjects they’re passionate about.
Educators also can host workshops featuring women in tech. Interactive webinars or in-person talks with inspiring female STEM professionals can put a face to students’ potential futures. Organizing hands-on activities like website building or building a mobile app that includes AI features is a great way to boost their confidence and get their wheels turning with the help of an established role model. Resources like Girls Who Code and League of Women Coders can connect educators and their students to women in STEM. These communities also provide a level of camaraderie and support that can be instrumental in boosting women’s confidence to enter–and impact–the AI and tech sphere.
Moving forward in tech–equally
As educators, inclusion is necessary to drive innovation and empower future change-makers. Encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in tech and AI creates role models of the future and balances out an unfair tech industry landscape. A more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem benefits all, championing diverse minds to come together to create AI and tech that solve societal issues and help build a brighter future.
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