Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
rural girls
computing education
gender norms
programming self-efficacy
career aspirations
From Uncertainty to Possibility: Early Computing Experiences for Rural Girls
🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the low participation of rural girls in computing, which is hindered by limited resources, language barriers, and restrictive gender norms that impede the development of programming self-efficacy and interest in technology careers. To counter these challenges, the authors propose a low-resource, gender-responsive computing education framework that integrates unplugged programming activities, visual programming instruction, peer collaboration, and individual project creation, complemented by parental awareness initiatives and teacher training. Implemented in rural settings, this approach significantly enhanced participants’ programming self-efficacy and aspirations toward technology-related careers, demonstrating its effectiveness and feasibility in fostering gender-inclusive computing education within resource-constrained environments.
📝 Abstract
Girls remain underrepresented in computing, and rural contexts often compound barriers of access, language, and gender norms. Prior work in computing education highlights that confidence and belonging can shape participation, yet most evidence comes from well-resourced, English-dominant settings. Less is known about how locally grounded pathways can build programming self-efficacy and broaden career interest for adolescent girls. We addressed this gap by delivering a curriculum that began with digital foundations and unplugged problem-solving, then progressed to block-based programming activities, supported by parent awareness and teacher training in gender-responsive practices. Pre and post-surveys showed a reliable increase in programming self-efficacy, and career aspirations shifted toward technology. Complementary qualitative data indicate that mastery experiences, peer collaboration, and the creation of personal projects were key drivers of confidence, suggesting design priorities for scalable, locally relevant programmes in low-resource communities that can shift perceptions of who belongs in computing.
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
gender-responsive computing education
programming self-efficacy
rural girls
unplugged activities
locally grounded curriculum
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