Debunking the nerd stereotype with pair programming

Our studies show that using pair programming as a structure for incorporating collaboration in the classroom helps increase and broaden participation in computing fields and helps debunk the myth that programmers work alone all the time. It´s also a way for students to get a better view of and feel more confident in their preparation for working in the real world. The face of the IT workforce is changing. As the millennial generation makes its way into the working world, the archetype of the nerd as the introverted, obsessed computer programmer must share equal space with the chatty, social software engineer.