The E-Girls project of the Vaasa region aimed at making it easier for girls in particular to start studies in electrical engineering or electronics. The goal was to increase the number of female students in technology and, with time, also the number of women working in technology industry. In addition, one aim was making girls more interested in industry as such. It is common knowledge that the proportion of women working in technical jobs in industry is very low at the moment.
The project worked on developing further a web course for senior secondary school students, called Electricity, electronics and environment. The course was supplemented with local viewpoints by adding a few case examples bringing in information about local enterprises. The cases touched the following themes: 1) Climate change raises discussion 2) Stumbling on slippery streets ? can technology help? 3) Recycling a car is free 4) Increasing airport comfort through technology 5) Seeking bids from energy companies is possible 6) Electricity production in India 7) Using a microwave oven at home.
The new version of the web course Electricity, electronics and environment was given in the autumn of 2007. Students in Ostrobothnia region comprised of students from Härmä, Kauhajoki, Laihia, Ylistaro and Vaasa senior secondary schools, as well as the comprehensive schools of Vähäkyrö, Mustasaari and Laihia. In addition, there were students from Pirkkalan yhteislukio. 53 students signed in for the course and 41 completed it (77 %). 18 (44 %) of the students were girls. 25 students were senior secondary school students and 16 were from comprehensive school level.
Student feedback showed that the web course was considered interesting and the subject matter useful. It is likely that the web course will form a part of the instruction program of the University of Vaasa even after the project. The web course brought the students closer to the computer and the Internet and familiarized them with new ways of learning. Moreover, senior secondary school students also became a little more acquainted with the industry of Vaasa region.
The project was funded by The European Social Fund (ESF), the County Administrative Board of Southern Finland and state. The partners in cooperation were Vaasan lyseon lukio, Nicefactory Oy, The Federation of Finnish Technology Industries, Wärtsilä Finland Oy and The Tritonia Learning Center.
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