What Happened to the Women in Computer Science?

The video discusses the gender disparity in computer science degrees, highlighting that women earn only 18% of these degrees today compared to 37% in the mid-80s. It attributes this decline partly to the marketing of PCs to boys and men, which created an unofficial prerequisite for computer science courses. The video also features a discussion with Jody Greenstone Miller about her daughter's interest in computer science and the notion that many successful individuals in the field do not attend college, questioning the importance of formal education for success in computer science.

What percentage of computer science degrees were earned by women in the mid-80s?

• 18%

• 37%

• 25%

• 50%

What was one reason suggested for the decline in women pursuing computer science?

• Increased difficulty of computer science programs

• Higher tuition fees for computer science courses

• Rise of personal computers marketed to boys

• Lack of interest in technology

How did the marketing of personal computers in the mid-80s affect gender disparity in computer science?

• It made computer science courses more accessible to everyone.

• It encouraged more women to pursue computer science.

• It had no impact on gender disparity.

• It led to a generation of boys with more computer experience.

What is highlighted about successful individuals in computer science in the final section?

• Many do not attend college.

• They all have advanced degrees.

• They often switch careers later in life.

• They start learning computer science in high school.

What does the personal story in the final section suggest about the future of women in computer science?

• Women are losing interest in computer science.

• Formal education is the only path to success.

• The field is becoming less relevant.

• There is hope for more women entering the field.