Exercise - Challenges
In this exercise, you'll reflect on some statements. A "yes" answer to any of the questions is a good indicator that the situation might affect your behavior in the workplace toward others.
Reflect on your own assumptions of who should be in tech
Whether hidden or overt, your biases and assumptions can direct your actions, thoughts, and feelings toward others.
Can you think of a time when you made an assumption about your ability to succeed because you either did or didn't think of yourself as a "tech person?"
Have you ever made an assumption about someone else's ability to succeed in tech?
Did you ever find out that your first impressions of a person's aptitude in tech were incorrect, and that they were more or less competent than your assumptions led you to believe?
Reflect on inclusiveness in computer science
Reflect on the following questions that pertain to diversity in tech. Optionally, note your answers on a device or on paper.
Describe different types of diversity, and why diversity of any kind can make a difference to the field.
What value does diversity add to computer science as a field?
What is the cost or benefit to the field if computer science doesn't improve its diversity? Why isn't the status quo advantageous?
What are some barriers to diversity in computer science? What kinds of initiatives are being developed to address these barriers?
In your assessment, what are the strengths and limitations of different initiatives? And why?