No need to be technology shy: Computer courses for girls

The “CoMaed” course programme of TU Graz – CoMaed stands for “Computers” and “Maedchen” (girls) – is aimed at girl pupils aged 10 and over. The programme kicks off with the beginners course. In two weeks, the girls reconnoitre the interior life of a computer, learn how to deal with the internet responsibly and take part in excursions to TU Graz laboratories and institutes.

“We want to give the pupils a chance to investigate computers in a playful way and enable them to get a glimpse into technology and science. We hope their confidence grows together with their understanding of technology,” says Verena Rexeis, who is responsible for promoting budding scientists at TU Graz and coordinator of the FIT – Women in Technology initiative, Styria. The beginners course starts on 22 August, and there are still free places. Participants don’t need any previous knowledge, and you can register on v.rexeis@tugraz.at. 

Learning programming

For those girls who’ve already completed the beginners course, there is the one-week “Advanced” course for those aged 11 and over, and “Graphics/design” course for girl pupils aged 13 and over – for both courses there may still be free places on request. What is completely new this year is the programming course “See sharp – learning to program in C#”. Under the heading of “creative computing”, a bridge is built between the programming languages Scratch and C#. The “See Sharp” course will take place two times and is aimed at participants aged 14 or over. There are still a few places free here, too. 

Participation free of charge

Participation in the CoMaed courses is free of charge. Only a contribution to the midday meal and drinks is to be paid. The pupils will be supervised by teacher training students specialising in science and technology fields of study. All the courses take place the whole day from 9 am to 4 pm.