Gender-Inclusive Materials to Learn Programming through Data Visualization

This study introduces learning materials for introductory computer programming from the viewpoint of gender-inclusion. Despite gender-equal opportunities to learn information technology, girls and female students recognize computer programming as “boys' stuff.” One of the possible reasons is that programming education often incorporates male-dominated fields, such as mathematics and engineering. We have considered the approach of gender-inclusive programming education, and we have focused on data visualization to induce motivation in students who study programming in various majors. Finding interesting data and expressing it in an informative way using programming can enhance learners' motivation. This paper reports on the learning materials, including the original library and class practices.