Important information
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Encouraging student participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, particularly digital technologies, is essential for Australia's economic future and workforce development. Despite this recognised importance, female professionals remain significantly under-represented in STEM fields, comprising only 23 per cent of information technology graduates and holding 28% of STEM-related jobs in 2021 (STEM Equity Monitor 2024).
In 2022, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) conducted a study for CSIRO to explore factors influencing young female students' participation in digital technologies education. This research was funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources, as part of a broader initiative to identify the enablers and barriers to female engagement in digital technology fields.
Part One: Findings Report PDF (724 KB)
Part One: Findings Report - accessible text only TXT (88 KB)
Part Two: Primary Research Project Report PDF (2 MB)
Part Two: Primary Research Project Report - accessible text only TXT (127 KB)
Some findings from the research include
- Emphasising digital technologies as inclusive can help girls gain the confidence to pursue these subjects in high school. Exposing students to female role models in digital technologies and showcasing career pathways were effective strategies.
- Enhancing educators' confidence in teaching digital technologies and improving curriculum representation are critical. Many students could not recall studying digital technologies, indicating a gap in current educational practices.
- Parents and guardians significantly influence students' attitudes towards digital technologies. Providing parents with resources to understand digital technologies and address cyber-safety concerns can empower them to support their daughters' interest in the field.
- Developing an inclusive curriculum that starts in primary school and engages students through real-world contexts can help dismantle negative stereotypes and cultural biases. This approach aims to increase female students' engagement and participation in digital technologies.
This report underscores the importance of creating a supportive environment for young female students studying digital technology subjects, addressing both systemic and societal barriers. By implementing these findings, CSIRO aims to enhance the participation of young female students in its digital technology programs and education initiatives.
Read more from the original article, 'New research into girls studying digital technology at school', published on the ACER website.
ACER-CSIRO Webinar Series 2024: Engaging young women in digital technologies classes
In 2024, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), CSIRO Education and Outreach, and CSIRO's Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy hosted a two-part webinar series focused on best practice for engaging young women in digital technologies.
In these webinars, ACER used the findings from their latest to discuss the implications for the classroom.
The webinars included resources on the new v9.0 AC: Digital Technologies, factors that impact on engaging young women in digital technologies classes, an exemplar classroom activity and assessment for Year 5-6 and Years 7-8.
Watch the recordings at the links below:
Engaging young women in digital technologies: Webinar 1
Engaging young women in digital technologies: Webinar 2
Engaging young women in digital technologies: Webinar 3
Engaging young women in digital technologies: Webinar 4
This webinar series is sponsored by the auDA foundation.