The TechSavvy Girls Project

This out-of-school program uses sophisticated computer games (such as The Sims 2) and virtual worlds, (such as Second Life) to build techSavvy skills, knowledge, and identities among girls from 5th to 12th grade. Girls meet at off-campus locations or at a university computer lab and work with local mentors to play games and create custom content using high-end computer programs such as Photoshop, Premiere, Contribute, and Dreamweaver as well as other game customization and modification tools. They develop skills in problem-solving, computational thinking, and other abilities that are foundational to formal study of computer science and the use of computer technology in a wide range of occupations.

Currently we have TechSavvy Girls sites associated with two universities: Arizona State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison. A third site is under development in connection with the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Mission/Goals

We know that some youth are “digital natives,” acquiring such abilities and identities through access to complex technologies in the home and other non-school settings, with the support of parents and peers. During early adolescence, girls are particularly prone to lose interest in certain computer-related practices, such as gaming, that are crucial for further development of technological abilities, including formal study of computer science.

Our project focuses on identifying the various paths to becoming “techSavvy” that are associated with computer and video gaming.   Our out-of-school girls’ clubs are designed to build girls’ techSavvy skills, knowledge, and identities.  These clubs make use of  the participant’s interests in games and media creation to foster practices associated with, for example, modern science (e.g., hypothesis testing, modeling, and theory building), and that also are driving forces in technological and scientific innovation. 

Participants

Our club members are primarily middle-school-aged girls, ranging between age 10 and 15.  These students have a wide variety of technical expertise when entering the project.  Some have previous experience with computer or video games, but it is not required. 

Funding

Funding for this project comes from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.  Further information regarding the Foundation’s Digital Media and Learning initiative can be found on their web site.