Center for Inclusive Computing’s Post

💪 Funding news: Northeastern University's Center for Inclusive Computing is part of a $150MM grant from Pivotal Ventures aimed at addressing the workforce demand for more technical talent in #artificialintelligence. The investment will expand CIC’s capacity to work with partner schools on the development of AI tracks within undergraduate computing degrees, and create pathways for non-computing majors to pursue master’s degrees in AI. In South Florida, CIC funds work to increase representation of #women and #underrepresented communities in #computerscience at partner institutions such as Florida International University and Miami Dade College. Results across the 97 colleges and universities CIC supports in this work speak for themselves; from Fall 2019 to Fall 2023: ➡️ 136% and 99% growth in Black/African American women and men, respectively, majoring in computing ➡️ 116% and 69% growth in the number of Hispanic women and men, respectively, majoring in computer science These increases compare with growth rates of 64% and 38% for women and men majors overall at these schools. Congratulations Carla E. Brodley and team! Onward and upward! Northeastern University Miami

How computer science education is shaping the workforce pipeline! - 🏫 Increasing focus on STEM education in K-12 and higher education - 📚 State-level initiatives like Ohio's push for leadership in computer science - 🛠️ Workforce development programs to address skill shortages in key tech areas - 🌱 Holistic approaches emphasizing mental health and soft skills alongside technical training #ComputerScience #Education #FutureWorkforce - 📘 Expanding Curricula: Schools are introducing courses in coding, AI, and robotics, ensuring students are prepared for tech-driven careers. This equips them with essential skills for the future job market. - 🌐 Strategic State Efforts: States like Ohio are implementing comprehensive plans to become leaders in computer science education, setting standards that other states can follow. - 🤖 Bridging Skill Gaps: Workforce development programs are crucial for updating the current workforce's skills to meet industry demands, focusing on areas like semiconductor manufacturing and advanced AI. - 🧠 Emphasizing Well-being: Education systems are now prioritizing mental health and soft skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, making students well-rounded and resilient for modern challenges. Adding these initiatives ensures that the next generation is not only technically proficient but also mentally prepared and adaptable, driving innovation and productivity in the workforce. Council Post: How Computer Science Education Is Shaping Workforce Pipelining https://lnkd.in/g6KpqQVu

I can’t agree more! Check out the insightful article in Times Higher Education, “Computer science students must be taught to consider social effects” Faculty plays a crucial role in teaching social effects in computer science and engineering.Technology solutions impact communities environmentally, ethically, and socially, especially with the rise of AI in day-to-day applications. I integrate these ideas into my professional communication for engineers and project management IT courses. Embedding social concepts within technical courses is key for understanding design, development, and implementation impacts on the society. This may require interdisciplinary course design through cohort-based developments to bridge these concepts effectively. #AI #ProfessionalCommunication #Engineers #ProjectManagement #IT #socialsciences #lifesciences Read more: (https://lnkd.in/gWHzTczk)

Computer science is empowering as well as lucrative — but what you might not know is how much fun it is, besides. Computer science is Mount Holyoke’s fastest-growing major and that doesn’t surprise department chair Valerie Barr ’77 one bit. “Once they take that first class and realize the relevance of computing to many fields, students want to take more,” Barr says. That’s because learning computer science is incredibly empowering, says Audrey St. John, who specializes in theoretical computer science. “When students first learn what's sitting under the hood, they find technology demystified,” she says. “Programming, the core tool that allows us to automate our solutions, can feel like magic. Type some text into a file and suddenly you’ve made a game! It's attractive to get to work on exciting applications, and there can be very immediate rewards.” Perhaps the best part about studying computer science at Mount Holyoke is the ease of combining it with other subjects across campus. “I love working with students to help them marry together multiple interests — computing and politics, data science and dance, you name it,” Barr says. “I love the opportunity to work with faculty from across the campus on how they incorporate computing into their courses.” “Our students never cease to amaze me with their dedication, intellectual curiosity and passion to pay it forward,” says St. John. “They are capable beyond what they imagine and incredibly grounded, often downplaying their accomplishments. It’s so rewarding to get to see students move through their tech journey, particularly when I get to witness a student transform from being a little dubious to becoming so passionate they innovate a new way of inspiring others.” Combine the opportunities for research with faculty and internships at places like Google, Microsoft and YouTube; throw in the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab and the student-founded HackHolyoke, the first hackathon to achieve gender parity — and you’ll find the opportunities are endless.

Discover why embracing mistakes and mastering teamwork are the real game-changers in High-Performance Computing. It's not just about tech skills, find out what truly sets top HPC grads apart. More insights from Dr. Ludovic Capelli here - #HPC #AI #Students #Supercomputing #Technology #MoveTheNeedle Women in High Performance Computing (WHPC), EPCC, The University of Edinburgh, Bayes Centre

Preparing for a panel session discussing how to get more diverse talent into tech, and coming across this article is disheartening.   A recent report by King's College London discovers the number of girls choosing computer science since 2015 has halved with girls more likely to say it does not align with their careers plans.   There are many DE&I initiatives that try to increase the diversity within the tech sector but this research showcases why it's important to start earlier.    The report provides a number of recommendations to encourage the uptake of computer science; as employers and employees we can take on some of these and ensure diversity within the sector continue

😎 Empowering the next generation with Computer Science: Shout-Out to Skill Struck for making #computerscience education accessible The tech revolution is in front of us and equipping our students with the right foundational skills is crucial. Many schools lack robust computer science curriculums, leaving a gap in preparing our youth for the STEM fields that are driving our economy. Why Computer Science education matters: STEM fluency: CS is the cornerstone of STEM education. By understanding computational thinking and problem-solving, students are prepared for exciting fields like AI, gaming design, and engineering. Tech-powered world: From coding to cybersecurity, tech skills are in high demand across all industries. A foundation in CS prepares students to thrive in this tech industry. Exposing students to CS early on can spark a lifelong passion for technology and innovation. Imagine the possibilities! That's why "Edtech to the rescue!" ⚡ Interactive platforms, engaging games, and online resources can make learning CS fun and accessible for students of all ages. #CSEducation #STEM #EdTech #skillstruck #computerscience #AI #

Exciting news! "A new bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate seeks to boost education on artificial intelligence and quantum science across the nation by authorizing the National Science Foundation to award scholarships for higher education students," reports Cate Burgan. If we want to get more students interested in AI and quantum computing, we need to create some incentives to get them involved—so this is perfect! The demand for experts in this field will only continue to grow, so it's crucial that we make sure we have plenty of people pursuing education in these significant fields. #HigherEdNews #QuantumComputing #AIEducation

Tech in Education: Evolution, Not Revolution Reflecting on the evolution of technology in schools, one is drawn to Associate Professor Justin Reich's insightful perspective that technology infuses into education gradually, rather than revolutionizing it overnight. Reich, with a background rich in education and technology, emphasizes that technological advancements in education tend to augment existing practices rather than overhaul them entirely. This insight is particularly poignant when recalling Thomas Edison's bold 1913 prediction that motion pictures would render books obsolete in schools—a forecast that, while recognizing the potential of video in learning, overlooked the resilience and adaptability of traditional educational methods. Reich's research highlights two consistent findings: educators often use new technology to enhance established teaching methods, and educational technology disproportionately benefits those who are already well-off, challenging the ideal of equitable access to learning innovations. These reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities and nuances involved in integrating technology into educational settings. This task requires patience, iteration, and a willingness to embrace gradual improvement rather than radical transformation. Moreover, Reich's career journey—from aspiring teacher to influential scholar and advocate for thoughtful technology integration in education—underscores the value of persistence and adaptability. His work, notably through the Teaching Systems Lab at MIT, continually seeks to demystify the process of educational innovation, advocating for incremental advancements that collectively contribute to the betterment of educational systems. Through his books, including "Failure to Disrupt" and "Iterate: The Secret to Innovation in Schools," Reich invites educators and policymakers alike to reconsider the allure of quick fixes in favor of sustained, evidence-based efforts to enrich teaching and learning for all students. In the face of burgeoning technologies like artificial intelligence, Reich maintains a pragmatic stance, questioning the transformative potential of AI in education and reminding us of the enduring value of in-person learning experiences. His approach reiterates the importance of grounding educational innovation in reality, recognizing the limitations of technology, and focusing on the human aspects of learning that technology cannot replace. As we navigate the ever-evolving educational technology landscape, Reich's reflections offer a grounding perspective, encouraging us to pursue thoughtful, measured progress over the allure of revolution. https://lnkd.in/gSquFhSS Platform: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Author: Peter Dizikes #education #technology #technologyineducation #technologicaladvancements #evolution #ai #artificialintelligence #aiineducation

Schools play a crucial role in preparing students for a changing future, yet they lack the time and tools to fully educate young people about data, AI, and future technology. Basic digital citizenship and skills are mostly non existent. Some colleges in some regions provide 70% more courses on production lines than technology. As emerging tech fields increasingly shape our daily lives and job markets, it’s essential that students gain both awareness and the practical skills in these areas to understand what they are up against. Yet, without properly teaching kids about technology in the real world, (not just file structures and using an email to log into another learning platform) we try to remove access to it using fear and regulation. Banning booze, sex and smoking didn't teach us anything about young people? Digital skills are not a nice to have anymore. They are critical. Especially now that a large proportion of privately educated kids are being forced into over crowded state schools. Skill levels and online citizenship in the UK will go backwards. It took me 4 months and endless communications to get my daughter a place in a primary when I moved house. They offered schools more than 40 minutes away. That's the reality. By equipping schools with resources, support, and dedicated curriculum space for tech education, we can empower the next generation to navigate, understand, and thrive in a digital world. Not only does this grow curiosity for tech and confidence in students, but it also opens pathways to careers and innovations they may not otherwise access. Some that don't exist yet. I advocate for a future where every child has the opportunity to explore and engage with the technologies that will shape their lives. I'd love to speak to schools about a project I'd like to kick start.