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Girls inspired at computing conference

11 January 2010

 

Almost 200 girls from schools around the region gathered at the University for the annual Girls and Gadgets computing conference.

And the overwhelming feeling among those who attended is that a career in computing is most definitely worth considering.

The conference, now in its third year, is organised by the School of Computing and took place on Thursday 7 January.

Girls, aged from 14 – 16, heard from guest speakers and took part in a range of activities designed to help them understand both the creative and technical skills involved in computing.

Statistics show that although teenage girls are now using computers and the internet at rates similar to their male peers, they are still five times less likely to consider a technology related career.

Promoting an interesting and challenging career The conference aims to promote computer science as an interesting and challenging career path.

It also provides the girls taking part with an opportunity to sample life at the University and learn more about studying the wide range of computing-related subjects.

Alison Brown, Senior Lecturer in Computing at the University, said: 'We aim to offer the girls an understanding of the vast range of opportunities available to them in the field of computing. The annual conference helps to encourage them to consider computer science as a serious career choice.'


 
 
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