Australian interventions for women in computing: Are we evaluating?

Abstract

There are many reasons why the gender imbalance in computing should be of concern to the profession. Over the last 20 years there have been many intervention programs which attempt to redress this situation and encourage more women into computing. To determine whether an intervention program has made a difference requires evaluation. Program evaluation is the careful collecting of information about a program so that those responsible can make informed decisions regarding the programs. This multi-case study investigation into 14 major programs conducted in Australia shows that many projects are not evaluated due to a lack of time, expertise and money. Without dissemination of detailed evaluations it is not possible to work out which intervention programs should be replicated and which should be modified or abandoned.