Women Who Innovate in Higher Ed: Challenges & Strategies

Concurrent Session 4

Brief Abstract

A conversation about the barriers and potential solutions to how women can lead innovation in edtech.

Archivist Notes

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Patrice Torcivia Prusko, Cornell University

I am currently an instructional designer at Cornell University. My primary areas of support include international collaborations, online course development and e-Portfolios. Prior to my position at Cornell I taught marketing in Panama, Santo Domingo, Prague and Lebanon using a blended learning model. I incorporate cloud computing tools to increase engagement while the students work online and for collaborations across cultures. I recently earned my PhD at UAlbany School of Education. The title of my dissertation was Five Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Majors: A Portraiture of their Lived Experiences.

Co-presenter: Laura Pasquini, University of North Texas // Royal Roads

https://techknowtools.wordpress.com/about/

Co-presenter: Amy Collier, Middlebury College

Amy Collier received her doctorate in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University in 2008. Through her graduate studies in social sciences and 10+ years working in faculty development, Amy has been an advocate for learners and teachers across a variety of educational institutions, from community-based service organizations to large public broad-access universities. Currently, Amy is the Associate Provost for Digital Learning at Middlebury College, where her strategic vision positions Middlebury as a leader in creating and sustaining a global learning community through digital pedagogies and technologies. Prior to this, Amy was the Senior Director for Inspiration and Outreach in the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning at Stanford University, where she oversaw online and blended course design initiatives, conducted research to inform effective teaching practice, and was a strong advocate for evidence-based instructional improvement, strategy and planning.

Extended Abstract

This session will provide a forum for all conference participants to engage in a meaningful conversation about ways women are leading innovation, why it is important for their voice to be a part of the conversation and ways women's ideas can be heard no matter where in the organization they are. A diverse and international group of women from public and private higher education institutions will briefly share their stories with you and facilitate the conversation. The conversation will highlight the unique contributions and perspectives women's innovations contribute to edtech and the barriers they often confront, fostering a deeper appreciation about why inclusivity is vital to education technology.

Goals for session:
Develop strategies for:
understanding the value of women leading innovation
Overcome gender barriers women may experience in higher ed
Women supporting women
Enhancing the support of women in leadership roles through mentoring and coaching
Empowering both junior and senior women

We will use a Google Doc to share notes and resources, and as a place to continue the conversation beyond the conference session.

Conversation topics will be around identity, gender barriers, mentoring and empowering. We will spend approximately 10 minutes discussing each topic. Discussion questions may include:

{Identity}
What does it mean for you to be a woman who leads innovation?
Who are other marginalized leaders in the field of innovation?
What does identity mean to you and how does it impact your ability to innovate?

{Gender Barriers}
What was a challenge or barrier you ran into that was compounded by gender?
What are strategies to support other women?

{Mentoring}
Is there a professional mentoring program you are participating in?
Informal or formal mentoring or coaching?
Internal mentoring program?

{Empowering}
What are we really doing to elevate women next to us?
Inviting women to be keynotes, guest speakers, professional development

Resources:
http://womenwhoinnovate.com/
http://www.biztechmagazine.com/article/2012/05/mothers-technology-10-wom...
https://twitter.com/inc/status/581068243529560064
http://womennetwork.com/the-innovative-leader/
http://chronicle.com/article/WomenAcademic-Leadership-/143503/
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/15/study-finds-inflexible-pa...
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/08/25/study-finds-men-are-more-...
http://er.educause.edu/articles/2015/10/the-tech-talent-wars-and-womenin...