A learner-centered approach to teaching ethics in computing

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to teaching Computer Ethics that blends the use of contemporary media, subscriptions to digests of current technology news, and reflective writing in a learnercentered strategy. This approach is designed to make use of activities and assignments that take advantage of (1) student interest in contemporary media (video and film) to provide motivation and context beyond historical case studies, (2) breaking news about technology and technology use in education to provide current real world context, and (3) reflective writing to stimulate thinking critically about the course content outside the classroom context. Digests published three times weekly provide a constant flow of current real-world issues that can be used for focused reflective writing. Contemporary media productions are viewed and then a writing assignment in a structured learning log is used to focus on ethical issues raised by the film. We present an example using a feature length film and subsequent learning log assignment.

Contextual integration

“…Common approaches include 1) a separate course on computer ethics and professional issues, 2) discussions of ethics and professional issues integrated across existing courses, including subject-specific courses, or 3) a senior-level capstone course [34]. Most often the approach taken is to provide a separate course [2,6,42], although occasionally one will encounter a program in which ethics is integrated across a range of computer science courses [10,20].…”

“…CSIA students need an opportunity to apply these skills in the classroom environment where the price associated with making a mistake is not as high as it might be on the job. Recent work considers the challenge of teaching ethical reasoning in computer science [2,17,22] and specifically in CSIA curricula [16,43]. We can also adapt what is known about teaching ethical reasoning in other disciplines.…”

Integrating reflective writing in CS/IS

“…While the importance of experiential learning activities such as lab activities, external projects and service learning has been previously identified [1,3,4,5,6,9], implementation approaches often differ.…”

Reengineering ethics education for deeper student engagement through the creation of roleplaying and decision-making games [WIP Paper, Student Experiences]

“…The paper systematically breaks down its own unique scoring system and also explores general principles governing each scenario. In a completely different approach, the paper by Applin that focuses on a learner-centered approach 34 details a university-level course on ethics structured around this approach that assists students in remedying ethical issues in the field of computing, building emotional intelligence to respond appropriately to these issues, and overall, become more aware of the ethical implications and their underpinnings in computing.…”