Assigned Date: Monday, Jan. 23, 2023
Due Date #1: 11:59pm, Wednesday, Jan. 25
Due Date #2: 1:30pm, Monday, Jan. 30
Due Date #3: 5:00pm, Friday, Feb. 3
Due Time: 30 mins before class
Assignment
Identify an ethical case involving computing – a story reported in the news, to which the ACM Code of Ethics applies. The more pronounced, wider-impact, the better.
It must be reported by at least three reputable news sources (i.e., news networks, or entities, with decades-old infrastructure – such as print / magazine, newspaper, or TV). Examples, include Fox News, CNN, US News & World Report, Time, Reuters, Associated Press, New York Times, Post & Courier, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post (BUT NOT New York Post, National Inquirer, Sun, or Daily Mail).
Details
- Identify an ethical case involving computing, as described above. You need to find a unique case to report on – one that no other classmate has selected.
- Claim your case (by Due Date #1). The sooner, the better. You can claim your case on the Ed Discussion board here.
- Write a description of the case (by Due Date #2). First provide a general description of the case. What is it about? Why is it important? How did it unfold / play out / get revealed? Then, use the CARE outline (the four-step process defined on page 13 of the ACM Code of Ethics): Consider (stakeholders and consequences), Analyze (how the Code applies to the context), Review (possible actions), and Evaluate (decisions and future impact). The CARE framework provides an outline for judging whether possible actions in each case would be consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the Code. These questions establish a general approach to assist computing professionals in ethical decision-making.
- Consider: Who are the relevant actors and stakeholders? What were the anticipated and/or observable effects of the actions or decisions for those stakeholders? What additional details would provide a greater understanding of the situational context?
- Analyze: What stakeholder rights (legal, natural, or social) were impacted and to what extent? What technical facts are most relevant to the actors’ decision? What principles of the Code were most relevant? What personal, institutional, or legal values should be considered?
- Review: What responsibilities, authority, practices, or policies shaped the actors’ choices? What potential actions could have changed the outcomes?
- Evaluate: How might the decision in this case be used as a foundation for similar future cases? What actions (or lack of action) supported or violated the Code? Are the actions taken in this case justified, particularly when considering the rights of and impact on all stakeholders?
- Reference(s): Finally, provide at least three references (more is fine) from reputable news sources (as described above). Provide author name (reporter), title of article, news source, publication date, page numbers (if applicable), and – most important – a permalink / link / URL, so we can find it / read the original.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Look for balanced coverage, e.g., from different sides of the political spectrum, or different sides of the case.
- Evaluate the submissions of your colleagues (by Due Date #3). The goal of the task is to bring you to Bloom’s Taxonomy level 6: Evaluation – i.e, to develop the ability to evaluate artifacts in the context of Computing Ethics in Society. This is very valuable to your future careers, and brings you to a much deeper level of knowing and learning. For this, use the form provided on the Ed Discussion board.
Grading
Your grade will be based on how well you followed the above instructions, and the depth/quality of your work.
Be ready to present your submission in class using a lighting-talk style – up to 3 mins max.
While you do this, others will evaluate your submission, using a form based on the homework specs – see above.
Be ready to speak directly from your submission – i.e., no extra slides / Powerpoint, etc. Make sure you follow the homework specs carefully / completely.
Submissions
Submit your write-up (follow above outline instructions carefully) on the Ed Discussion board here.
Note, there are two different places:
- one to claim your case study, and
- one to submit your work.
Use the correct place for each task.
Again, be ready to present your submission in class using a lighting-talk style – up to 3 mins max. Be ready to speak directly from your submission – i.e., no extra slides / Powerpoint, etc. So make sure you follow the homework specs carefully / completely.