Shirley de Wit
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Shirley de Wit is a rising scholar in computing education, whose research critically examines how gender stereotypes shape children’s engagement with computer science. Her work focuses on the intersection of gender, social interactions, and representation in programming learning materials, particularly for young learners. In her most-cited paper, “Gender, Social Interactions and Interests of Characters Illustrated in Scratch and Python Programming Books for Children” (2024, 3 citations), de Wit reveals how programming books often reinforce narrow, male-oriented stereotypes of computer scientists—portraying characters as asocial and technology-focused—which may discourage girls from pursuing CS from an early age. By analyzing illustrations in popular children’s programming books, she demonstrates how subtle visual cues can perpetuate gender biases and limit diverse participation. Though early in her career, de Wit’s work has already sparked important conversations about inclusive design in educational resources. Her research offers actionable insights for educators, authors, and publishers to create more equitable learning environments. As a researcher committed to broadening participation in computing, de Wit is helping to reshape how we think about representation in STEM education, making her a vital voice in the movement toward a more inclusive tech future.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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