Teaching professional and ethical aspects of computing: a case study approach

Article

Rahanu, H. 1999. Teaching professional and ethical aspects of computing: a case study approach. ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society. 29 (4), pp. 32-37. https://doi.org/10.1145/572199.572207
TypeArticle
TitleTeaching professional and ethical aspects of computing: a case study approach
AuthorsRahanu, H.
Abstract

Teaching in ethics for computing students may take
many forms, for example, as part of technical courses; separate courses taught in technical departments; or courses taught in other departments, such as a Philosophy course. In exploring the first form the author found that using real life case studies to illustrate the ethical and professional issues invoked by computers was popular with students as opposed to taking a purely theoretical analysis and discussion approach.

In an attempt to formalize this approach so that material
could be provided for use by other instructors and as part of
ongoing research, a number of case libraries have been established that are readily accessible via the Internet. This paper reports on the progress of this task. Each case library corresponds to a specific area within computing practice where ethical problems are likely. Each case presents its very own specific set of ethical and professional issues invoked and the respective lessons suggested.

It is intended that students in future classes can use the
case libraries as a learning resource. Presenting students with such cases can provide them an appreciation and may prepare them for the likely issues that may confront them as
professionals when working in industry.

Sustainable Development Goals4 Quality education
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
JournalACM SIGCAS Computers and Society
ISSN0095-2737
Publication dates
Online01 Dec 1999
Print01 Dec 1999
Publication process dates
Accepted01 Nov 1999
Deposited24 Feb 2025
Output statusPublished
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1145/572199.572207
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