Social Issues in IoT / Smart Devices
==This version includes in extra credit for class presentation==
Social Issues in IoT / Smart Devices
Submit on Piazza in social_issues folder
Goals
- Identify an area of society being impacted by technology, particular around smart devices and the Internet of Things
- Examine the implications and nuances of the issue
Description
The high-tech and software industry impacts the world and lives of the public in large and small ways. As developers and technologists, we have a social, civic, and ethical responsibility to thoughtfully and respectfully engage with each other about these issues.
Students will work in pairs and sign up for a time slot throughout the semester (meaning due dates will be different for each team). Students will identify a societal impact that is caused by technology and present a discussion on Piazza. The topic and discussion should connect to mobile smart devices / the Internet of Things. This assignment will be weighted the same as a programming assignment.
Extra credit
- Individual students (not team) can earn extra credit for thoughtful comments on each other's posts
- Teams of students can earn extra credit for volunteering to lead a discussion on their topic. This will consist of a 10-minute long session where the group summarizes the article and issue, and then facilitates discussion around their proposed questions. There are a limited number of these available per semester (~3) and will be given out on a first come, first served basis.
Example of Potential Issues
- Uber uses techniques to evade government regulators
- Some mobile and tech companies ban violent / hateful groups from their service
- Snapchat creates potentially offensive filters
- Silicon Valley companies provide free products and services to elementary-school teachers for endorsements
- AT&T accused of digital redlining in Cleveland (denying high speed internet to low-income neighborhoods)
Requirements
- Find an article from a reputable mainstream or tech news source
- Summarize the story and key issues in your own words
- Write at least three questions for discussion
- Questions should not be simple yes / no questions, but should be open-ended and lead to conversations
- For some tips to writing questions, see https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/resources/teaching/student-teacher-communication/designing-effective-discussion-questions
Deliverables
- Create a Piazza post with the article summary and questions to facilitate discussion. Post must clearly indicate the names of team members.
Grading
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Summary | 10 |
| Questions | 10 |
| Extra credit for comment on OTHER groups' articles | +0.5 |
| Extra credit for presenting in class | Up to +5 |
| Total | 20 |