2020 Transformative Learning Conference

An introduction to the roots of TL learning theory and contemporary conceptualizations of TL

Gender differences in Computer Science (CS) major have been a concern for decades. This inspired the Code Okie toward determining factors that affecting women in career decision making and success in CS. Back in my first semester at the University of Central Oklahoma, I enjoyed the ups and downs of the transfer experience yet feeling that I was the only one who struggles on this male-dominating ship. For the last couple of semesters, I have been honored to become a CS Ambassador for hosting Code-Okie: Women in Computer Science at UCO. This has given a significant impact on my leadership skills and civic engagement as a woman pursuing a STEM career. With departmental support, especially from Dr. Qian and Dr. Grace Park, CS Ambassadors hosted two workshops for women in Fall 2019. In the first workshop, “Coffee with My Sisters in CS”, we distributed questionnaires to 30 female students enrolled in CS majors and minors. This sets as a stepping-stone to build a network with other female students in CS and forming a community to support one another. Participants filled out questionnaires accessing their demographic information, experiences with computers, confidence, comfort, and interest level in CS, school support and encouragement, involved activities. With keen interest from female students after the first workshop, GitHub workshop was organized to support the students in resume preparation for internships and employment. Showing positive impacts from participants, these workshops that serving as a learning environment that empowers CS female students in developing their leadership skills.