Google onderzocht de redenen waarom er minder meisjes computerwetenschappen of ICT-richtingen kiezen in Europa. In dit rapport, gebaseerd op gesprekken en enquêtes bij meer dan 3000 studenten en onderwijsleiders over heel het continent, vonden ze de volgende ‘drempels’ voor meisjes:

1. Computer science is often perceived as an isolated subject, rather than a skill to develop. When integrated with other subjects, though, 41% of girls are interested in studying computer science.
2. Role models are important, but it’s not just about having more of them. Girls and young women need to be exposed to a fair and varied representation of relatable identities (i.e. age, gender, sexual orientation, race, attainment, and ability) throughout the education pipeline.
3. Teachers aren’t getting the support they need to engage students. Educators often aren’t equipped with the depth of knowledge, resources or time needed to teach computer science effectively. Approximately two thirds of European education systems at lower secondary level employ teachers with specialties outside of computer science to teach the subject.
4. There’s a disconnect between what students learn in school and what computer science looks like in everyday life. Students aren’t aware how computer science can be useful across other subjects and their interests.
5. Parents, who are extremely influential to their children’ s success, often struggle to support them. Many parents do not understand what computer science is and don’t feel confident enough to talk with their children about it.
6. Peer networks in computer science are limited. For girls in particular, peer support is crucial in building the confidence they need in their learning. 20% of the students we surveyed in France and Romania expressed they would feel more confident in their ability to learn computer science if more of their friends did it.