Not Just For Geeks!
Inspiring Your Daughter to Get Wild About Technology!

According to the recent two-year study, "Tech-Savvy," published by the AAUW (American Association of University Women Educational Foundation), girls, in general, are not being educated or encouraged to become "technologically literate," and will NOT have the skills they need to pursue their dreams in our technologically dependent society.

Okay, so your daughter is not dreaming about becoming the next Bill Gates. She does not see herself as an engineer or working in the field of computers (where women receive less than 28 percent of the Computer, Bachelor of Science degrees). Regardless of the field your daughter chooses, she will soon realize that it has been influenced, transformed or effected by computers and information technology and that she needs an edge.

You say your daughter uses the computer? She sends email to friends, plays a few computer games and knows how to word-process. You think this makes her "technologically literate?" It does not. The reality is that these very basic skills will eventually leave her on the sidelines. "When it comes to today's computer culture, the bottom line is that while more girls are on the train, they aren't the ones driving." states Pamela Haag, the director of research for the AAUW Education Foundation.

As girls get older, they are often steered away from computer science programs and into courses on computer usage such as databases, page layout programs, graphics, and online publishing. While mastery of these skills is useful, the "Tech-Savvy" report declares that these applications do not equate to true technological literacy. To be "technologically literate" requires developing critical skills, mastering concepts, and adapting problem-solving techniques. This new standard of fluency assumes that; individuals have the ability to use abstract reasoning; apply information technology in sophisticated, innovative ways to solve problems; interpret vast amounts of information; understand basic principles of programming; and continually adapt and learn new technologies. Is your daughter ready?

Help your daughter onto the technology path. It is never too late to start!

(1) Be a positive role model
It can not be underestimated how important it is for we, as parents, to model the behavior we want reflected by our children. How can your daughter become computer-savvy if you, her parents, are not? Mom, are you excited about the Internet and the way it is transforming the world? Do you read technology headlines? Dad, have you created a family website? Has your daughter seen you research topics on the Internet and discern what is relevant? Get excited about technology! With your young daughter on your lap, explore a fun educational program. Technology is powerful. And, parents supporting their daughters discovering that power is awesome!

(2) Find other positive female role models
Stereotypically many girls view individuals who pursue careers in the field of computers and technology as GEEKS-young men with slimly hair that sit alone in a cubicle all day, hacking away at a computer screen. Peer pressure plays a role, as girls are often reluctant to admit to friends that they are interested in computers for fear of being labeled a geek. Find positive female role models. Girls need to see powerful women in exciting technology careers.

For example: Tell your daughter about women like Candace Carpenter and Carol Miller, two incredible women who are leading the Internet revolution.

Candace Carpenter founded the largest Internet community for women, "ivillage.com" (http://www.ivillage.com) Ms.Carpenter travels extensively, meets and works with exciting, creative people and helps connect millions of women around the world!

Carol Miller is the co-founder of one of the largest sites for parents on the Internet, "Familyeducation.com" (http://www.familyeducation.com/) Carol Miller's network helps millions of parents each month find support,
resources and information.

Finally, and most importantly, seek out women in the computer industry and arrange for your daughter to meet them. Find women who work in professions your daughter is interested in, and ask them to show your daughter the latest technology they use in their work.

(3) Find quality software games
Girls often feel software games are violent, boring and uninspiring. In contrast, girls don't need "pink" gender specific games either. Avoid stereotypical purchases and choose games for your daughter that feature simulation, strategy and interaction regardless of gender biases. Girls, generally, view the computer as a tool not a toy. Which is fine for some applications but don't underestimate the "tinkering" and playing of games that can lead to creative ideas for new games and inventions of new types of hardware. Playing games builds and hones problem-solving skills, which help girls think logically. If she can think it, she can make it! Game playing leads to game creating.

(4) Educate girls to be designers of technology, not just users
The "Tech-Savvy" study recommends that we parents help our girls imagine themselves early in life as designers and producers of new technology. It recommends engaging girls in the type of "tinkering" activities that stimulate deeper interest in technology. Encourage your daughter to use products like K'NEX, build small computer robots, design elaborate Lego creations, build a radio kit, create their own city in SimCity, or be a mad scientist and explore "neat" science experiments. These "tools" are not just for boys!

Tomorrow, who knows what your daughter will dream of becoming. By encouraging her to become a designer, not just a user of technology, doors will open and the world will be hers!

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Summit Learning
Help your daughter become a designer of technology!
Have her explore K'NEX from SummitLearning.com (http://www.summitlearning.com).

SET¨ - The Game of Visual Perception
SET¨ is an award winning puzzle game that is a challenge for all ages. The game has only one rule: find three cards that are all the same or all different in each of their three features (symbols, shapes, and the number of symbols). The computer version has the classical SET¨, plus 6 additional variations: Dancing cards, Continuation, Beat the Clock, Beat the Clock - Bonus Time, Solitaire and On-Line Play. Up to 10 players can play against each other simultaneously on one computer.
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Summit Learning offers these and wide variety of additional math and science products at http://www.summitlearning.com.

Delta Education
Looking for positive role models and fun science kits for your daughter? Check out Delta Education's "Women in Science Rule!" (http://www.delta-ed.com).

"After child birth, getting shot into space is a cake walk." With a statement like that on the top of a science kit, you know you are going to love these "girl-power," can-do, science kits. The Delta Education, "Women in Science Rule!" series, features 10 prominent women who have made significant contributions to science. Corresponding activities accompany each engaging biography and can help your daughter gain a better understanding of these female contributions to science and the impact their work has had on the world! There are three different, easy to use kits.

• "Physical Science" examines physics, chemistry, and mathematics. $29.95

• "Earth Science" covers geology, paleontology, astronomy, and archeology. $29.95

• "Life Science" includes human physiology, medicine, ecology, and botany. $29.95

To purchase these products or to request a catalog please call toll-free from 7am to 11pm EST: 1-800-442-5444

Additional Resources

"The American Association of University Women" (http://www.aauw.org), has local branches that sponsor a variety of programs designed to encourage girls in nontraditional career areas, including math, science, and computers.

"Tech-Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age (2000)," the new report by AAUW, can be purchased at:
http://www.aauw.org/2000/techsavvy.html

"Girls, Incorporated" (http://www.girlsinc.org)
Local affiliates sponsor numerous programs for girls, each designed to encourage girls in math, science, and technology.

"GirlGeeks" (http://www.girlgeeks.com) each week features young women who embrace geekdom! Check out the profiles of many proud-to-be "Geek-Girls" with your daughter! Who knows, perhaps one day she will be nominated for "Geek of the Week"! And be proud of it!

Suggested Reading

"Does Jane Compute? Preserving Our Daughters Place in the Cyber Revolution" by Roberta Furger
Written by a contributing editor for PC World, this book is an excellent resource for parents on how they can play an important part in their daughter's technology involvement. Backed by classroom research, plenty of helpful information for parents can be found here. Available for purchase at Amazon.com.

Women in Science Rule! by Delta Education
The 35 prominent women scientists in this book are great roles models for your daughter! With this fantastic book, your budding scientist will not only learn about the contributions these women have made to the world through science, she will actually step onto the path of her own field of study, as she explores the great experiments detailed inside!

To order this book, please call toll-free from 7am to 11pm EST: 1-800-442-5444