Course Module: Ethical Issues and Social Impacts of Global Computer Use
Facilitator: Arthur Farley, University of Oregon
The global computer network allows for a mixing of cultures and economies that has generated issues regarding personal privacy, intellectual property, freedom of speech, and access to information, among others. Social impacts include the changing nature of work, development of online communities, and changes in established patterns of communication and control. A The global world of information does not automatically recognize national or cultural boundaries. As a result, conflicts have arisen. Understanding the different social and ethical expectations of people around the world is important for realizing effective cooperation among software developers and for creating information systems that are acceptable across cultures.
To create a course module addressing these issues, we must first clarify the questions to be addressed, then understand the current situation regarding these questions, and finally gather reference materials that discuss these questions. The course module will aim to improve students' ability to recognize and formulate ethical questions and to develop answers that reflect an international context.
Pre-Beijing Workshop Assignment:
- Read the brief case studies referenced below for topic orientation/examples.
- Bring ideas for a course module, including a draft syllabus.
- Collect (links to) useful resources and references.
- Think of ideas for course activities/questions.
Case Studies
Beijing Workshop Goals
- Generate a list of ethical issues and social impacts to be considered.
- Develop a syllabus (topics and schedule) for a learning module.
- Collect a set of supporting resources/references to support the module.
- Define a set of in-class exercises and homework questions/exercises.
- Discuss teaching methods that are sensitive to anticipated differences.