Visual Narratives of Women's Legacy in Computer Science

This paper exposes the integration of the recognition of the contribution of women in the history of computer science, and collaborative learning through visual resources, with the aim of promoting gender equality by visualizing this contribution and improving learning outcomes. Through a pedagogical approach that involved students in researching, creating, and presenting info graphics about influential women in computing, the study aims to challenge prevailing gender stereotypes while enriching students' understanding of history in this discipline. Results indi-cate that this method significantly increased student engagement and fostered critical thinking and teamwork skills. Pre- and post-activity surveys revealed a marked improvement in students' recognition of women's contributions to computer science and a positive change in their perception of task difficulty. In addition, participation in this activity correlated with improved academic performance, highlighting in this experience the effectiveness of combining collaborative learning with efforts to promote gender equality in STEM education.

I. Introduction

It is a well-known fact that significantly fewer women than men pursue undergraduate studies in computer science [1], [2]. In the evolving context of computer science education, the intertwining paths of collaborative learning and the recognition of women's contributions form a cornerstone for innovative pedagogical approaches [3]–[5]. This paper delves into an educational project that not only aims to deepen the under-standing and appreciation of women's roles in shaping the history and current state of computing but also seeks to harness the potential of collaborative learning as a medium to achieve this goal. Despite significant advancements in the field, the visibility of women in computing remains disproportionately low, a reflection of broader gender disparities in STEM fields [6]–[9]. Addressing this imbalance requires a concerted effort to integrate the historical and ongoing contributions of women into the curriculum, thereby challenging stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive environment.