Digital Diaries: Women Pioneers in Computer Science
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use digital storytelling to showcase the important contributions of women pioneers in computer science, and understand the historical and cultural contexts that influenced their work, challenges they faced, and the inspiration they provide for future generations?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What contributions have women made to the field of computer science?
- How have historical and cultural contexts influenced the opportunities for women in technology?
- What challenges have women faced in computer science and how have they overcome them?
- How can storytelling in digital formats help bring attention to underrepresented groups in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)?
- In what ways can learning about women pioneers in computer science inspire future generations of technologists?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze the influence of cultural and historical contexts on the opportunities available to women in the field of computer science.
- Students will evaluate the challenges faced by women in computer science and the ways in which they overcame these obstacles.
- Students will develop digital storytelling skills to effectively communicate the narratives of women pioneers in computer science.
- Students will reflect on the inspiration these pioneers provide to future generations and articulate insights through digital platforms.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsTime Warp: A Day in Her Shoes
Transform the classroom into a 'time machine' where students are invited to experience a day in the life of a computer science pioneer. Each station represents part of her world—whether it’s recreating a lab, demonstrating an early computer, or voicing diary entries—to help students connect emotionally and intellectually.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Inspiration Reflection Blog
Reflective activity where students articulate the impact these pioneers have on themselves and future generations, shared through a personal blog entry.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective blog entry sharing personal insights and inspirations derived from studying the pioneer.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEncourages reflection on learning outcomes and articulating insights through digital platforms.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDigital Diaries Rubric
Content Understanding
Assessment of understanding of women pioneers' contributions, historical and cultural influence, and challenges.Historical Context
Evaluates students' understanding of the historical and cultural contexts influencing women pioneers in computer science.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated understanding of historical and cultural contexts with specific and insightful examples.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough understanding of historical and cultural contexts with relevant examples.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging understanding with some relevant examples.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial understanding with limited examples.
Contributions and Challenges
Evaluates students' ability to identify and discuss contributions and challenges faced by these women.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly details contributions and challenges with comprehensive evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively discusses contributions and challenges with clear evidence.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic discussion of contributions and challenges with some evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited mention of contributions and challenges with minimal evidence.
Digital Storytelling Skills
Assessment of ability to create compelling narratives using multimedia tools.Multimedia Integration
Use of images, text, and audio to enrich digital storytelling.
Exemplary
4 PointsSeamlessly integrates multimedia elements to create an engaging and cohesive story.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively integrates multimedia elements to create a coherent story.
Developing
2 PointsBasic integration of multimedia elements with partial coherence in storytelling.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited use of multimedia elements with minimal coherence.
Story Structure
Organization of digital story into clear introduction, main content, and conclusion.
Exemplary
4 PointsExceptionally well-organized with logical flow from introduction to conclusion.
Proficient
3 PointsWell-organized with a logical flow and connection between sections.
Developing
2 PointsPartially organized with some logical flow.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited organization and unclear flow.
Reflective Expression
Assessment of ability to articulate personal insights and inspirations in blogs.Insightfulness
Depth of reflections and the ability to draw personal insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates deep and insightful reflections with personal connections.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers clear and thoughtful reflections with relevant personal insights.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic reflections with some personal insights.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited reflections with minimal personal insights.
Inspiration for Future
Ability to discuss how the pioneer’s story can inspire future generations.
Exemplary
4 PointsArticulates a profound vision of how pioneers inspire future generations with specific examples.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly discusses how pioneers inspire future generations with examples.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic discussion on inspiration provided by pioneers.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited discussion on future inspiration without examples.