Community College Students & Women Need Some Technical Assistance

Jonathan Lekstutis

November 19, 2007

Studies are showing that students who attend community college are not as technically savvy as those that are attending major universities. The same studies are also showing that computer science and technology programs are not attracting a large number of women students.

To tackle the problem of community college students not being as technically savvy as university students, some community colleges are requiring all incoming students to take an orientation course on the fundamentals of using a computer. The computer novices like the opportunity to learn in a setting where they are not expected to be experts and can ask any question without being embarrassed, according to Foster Stewart, the project leader of business and tourism at SAIT Polytechnic, in Calgary, Alberta.

For the students who are already proficient in working with computers, this is a good exercise for them as they get a chance to brush up on the basics of using a computer, according to Foster.

In regard to women, experts believe that the way to get more women learning about computers and technology is to get them interested at a young age. Experts believe high school is too late and that women need to be working with computers in middle school.

That’s why Brandi Shepard, an instructor in architecture, interior design, and construction management at Anne Arundel Community College, in Maryland, is a proponent of week long summer camps for middle school girls to learn about computers. According to Shepard these lessons are meant to open the doorway to understanding technology and to get girls thinking of possible career paths.