Girls Get I.T.

Information technology (IT) is everywhere, but what is it? IT is about computers and communication. IT is an ever-changing, dynamic industry that defines the way we manage and process information. Now more than ever the successful implementation and management of information systems—the hardware, software, and telecommunications networks used to collect, create, and distribute data—is critical to an organization’s prosperity.

What Is Girls Get I.T.?

Girls Get I.T. is an innovative career exploration workshop designed to introduce high school girls to Information Technology (I.T.) careers in television broadcasting. The girls will learn first-hand that IT is not a gender-limited field, and that there are many career opportunities in the field of IT, as well as in other technical fields.

To learn more about Girls Get I.T., please visit the Center for Innovation's Nontraditional Careers website at: http://www.albany.edu/nontraditionalcareers/programs/ggit/

The girls arrived at the News Channel 9 studio in Albany bright and early at 9 am. They were then divided into 4 teams:

• The Tech Wizards;
• Doppler Dynamos;
• Graphics Gang;
• Bits & Bytes.

Each team participated in 5 activities, each of which lasted for approximately 30 minutes:

• Complete the circuits;
• Computer use in meteorology;
• Creative design and the computer;
• Non-linear video editing;
• IT and the T.V. Station.

Complete the Circuits focused on the process of assembling a data circuit. The task simulated a "real-world" work experience. The girls were given a bag of parts, no instructions, and 20 minutes to put together a closed circuit. Talk about a deadline!

Computer Use in Meterology presented the girls with activities related to the presentation of the weather to the viewing audience. Topics included: using the internet for data gathering, how to check past and present data from the Doppler site,; and how to use chroma-key (green screen) technology to present a weather forecast.

Creative Design and the Computer demonstrated the science behind the art of graphics creation. The girls created basic animations and learned about character generation.

Non-Linear Video Editing taught the girls how to create a 30-second promotional spot. Using Apple's Final Cut Pro video editing software, the girls learned how to import video into the computer, how to manipulate it on a timeline, and how to output to tape.

IT and the T.V. Station showed inner workings of Cable News 9. The girls were given a tour of the master control room and the archives. They learned how the station's computer network makes the day-to-day processes of the station run smoothly, and they also learned how to capture and storage large amounts of video.