[UbuntuWomen] Women learn more slowly, or can't learn, about computer science?

[Amy Hussey]

On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 4:43 PM, Silvia Bindelli <silvia.bindelli at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Ryan.
>        I'm a computer science engineering student. Next April 24th I will
> get my
> master degree, on time, together with many male friends who entered
> university when I did. It did not take more time for me than for my male
> friends.
>
> To answer your questions:
>
> > Is that an experience others have had?
>
> No never. I used to tutor first year students in a computer science class,
> but
> girls and boys seemed equally comfortable with me.
>
> > Are
> > many young women intimidated by their male peers?
>
> I can only speak for myself, but I have never been.
>
> > Is the opinion that women
> > need to be treated differently in computer science education widespread?
>
> I have been treated exactly as any other student, and I'm reaching the
> same
> results at the same time.
>
> > What should I do in the future if confronted with the same attitude?
> >
>
> I agree with Meg, you should explain that you don't think there is any
> difference in helping a woman or a man.
>
> Greetings,
> Silvia
>
> --
> ubuntu-women mailing list
> ubuntu-women at lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-women
>

Ryan,

Although I'm not a computer science student/engineer, I am a mechanical
engineer.  This profession is just as male dominated as CS, and as such, can
have similar experiences drawn from it.

To answer your questions:

> Is that an experience others have had?

No.  I worked with male and female students and we all tried to work for the
success of the project.  I only had one problem with one guy in one group,
but we (the other group member and me) worked together to accomplish what we
had to do.  Then we told the professor (a woman, BTW) that he wasn't doing
any work.  The problem was taken care of.

> Are
> many young women intimidated by their male peers?

I'm not.  I may have been when I first started at school (new experience and
all that) but I have no problems working with men.  I don't mind it.

> Is the opinion that women
> need to be treated differently in computer science education widespread?

Unfortunately, yes.  I'm not as familiar with computer science, but in
mechanical engineering, some women just try to coast by on their fellow
classmates coat-tails.  Many women are not like this, but there are enough
that make everyone look bad.

> What should I do in the future if confronted with the same attitude?

I'd say that you should handle it the same way you did.  You don't need to
explain why you want to help someone.  Helping others is the best way to
learn, in my opinion.

Amy

-- 
FUD: Beware of the penguin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear%2C_uncertainty_and_doubt

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati. (When all else fails, play dead.) ~~Possum
Lodge Motto
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