Inclusive Tech: How to Engage Marginalized Communities in Programming and Web Development
How can we interest more people from marginalized groups in learning programming and beginning web development? The truth is that there are many answers to this question. The first thing to consider is how one becomes interested in learning something you’ve never known about. Is it through a boring lecture/ PowerPoint? Or is it in a fun dynamic way and discovering benefits to learning this new skill? The latter method is a more practical approach to learning in general, and people who live in marginalized communities are no exception. Programming and web development are within reach.
Introducing Web Development skills and camps at a young age
From a teaching and learning perspective, introducing the concept of programming/ web development to students at a young age increases the possibility of capturing their attention, especially by showing all the amazing dynamics that can be performed through HTML/CSS. These dynamics include presenting a visually attractive website, with amazing styling that engages their curiosity. Another way is to get young people involved in summer programs/camps around your local community, as coding camps have cultivated methodology and curriculum to make developing websites interesting. Attending free coding camps also kills two birds with one stone, as one of the largest hurdles to learning a new skill is that it can be a bit pricy to sign up for a class or a course.
Showcasing the amazing styles of web development
The second thing is to make programming into a hobby, while at the same time showcasing all the benefits of learning web development. This includes all the possible careers that can come out of programming. In addition, making web development exciting can be amplified through an introduction to the basics of web development such as HTML/CSS and WordPress. These programs/skills offer many ways to showcase your creativity and are very simple to use. You’ll tend to find out that those who are passionate about designing and crafting will more than likely take an interest in developing websites. The reason for this preference is that a variety of websites can be created such as personal use such as blogs, business use, educational use, and more.
Through representation and relatability
Another way that many people become interested in taking up a new skill is through seeing professionals in the field that they can relate to. This relatability provides a feeling of comfort because representation is important. It is easier to take an interest in spaces where we see ourselves in people who have shared some of the same struggles. If we see people from our own community thriving in unchartered territory, it reminds us, that if they can do it, so can I.. For example, I as a Hispanic from a lower middle-class family, felt better about my career option after meeting another individual of the same ethnicity who experienced the same challenges but prevailed regardless. A good way to make this happen is to provide connections between an industry professional and the individual.
Overall, there are many methods to make web development and programming interesting to people who live in marginalized communities, and these are only a few solutions, but anyone interested in web development/ programming will always find it a challenge without the right support system. Support systems can come in many forms, whether it is a family member, friend, or someone who shares similar hopes and dreams.