Girls can do anything.
That was the message behind an information technology
competition held on Sunday at Otago Polytechnic.
In the morning, 10 year 10 pupils from three schools were
introduced to the basics of computer programming, putting
their skills to the test in the afternoon by completing an
assignment in teams of two.
The aim was to "broaden the girls' horizons about what was
possible" in IT and introduce them to study and career
options, polytechnic information technology lecturer and
competition organiser Joy Glasson said.
"If you enjoyed today, I would encourage you to follow up
this field in the future," she told the girls from Blue
Mountain College, Tapanui, Waitaki Girls' High School,
Oamaru, and Columba College, Dunedin.
Women were "severely under-represented in IT student cohorts
throughout the world", she said.
"Today is a wonderful opportunity for these girls to learn
about IT, as well has having some fun along the way."
Although only a small number of pupils participated this
year, Ms Glasson hoped the competition would be held annually
and participation would grow.
At the prizegiving, 3D graphic artist Rachel Ryan, from
Dunedin company Animation Research Ltd, talked about her
study and career path and showed examples of the work she and
other staff members had completed.
Columba pupils Mikaela Tyrrell and Jessica Elsom were first,
with Emily McGimpsey and Shani Hayes, of Blue Mountain
College, second and Caitlin Randell and Rebekah Cochrane, of
Waitaki Girls High School, third.
allison.rudd@odt.co.nz
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