F-7-16

Unit Code: DCS 401

Unit Title: Computer Ethics and Social Values
Program(s): DCS, DSE
Lecturer Name: Mr. Francis Mutuku
Lecturer Contacts: Email: francis.mutuku@zetech.ac.ke, Phone: 0711-809-712

UNIT DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the ethical and social issues related to computer technology.
Students shall learn about the do's and don'ts that should guide society (both computer professionals
and general computer users) when handling computers and computer systems, in a manner that
contributes to the general good and safety of the society.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain the role of computer ethics in society

2. Mention intellectual property and intellectual property rights
3. Examine the impact of computer technology to different groups in society
4. Articulate how to properly handle computer ethical dilemmas
5. Demonstrate how computer professionals can balance technological advancements with social
responsibility

COURSE SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE

Topic Sub topics

Definition of computer ethics
INTRODUCTION TO Historical overview of computer ethics
COMPUTER ETHICS Ethical theories and their application to computer ethics

Definition of privacy
PRIVACY AND Privacy and surveillance in the digital age
SURVEILLANCE Ethical considerations of surveillance
Legal framework of privacy

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 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Definition of intellectual property
Copyright, patents, and trademarks
Ethical issues in intellectual property
Balancing intellectual property and creativity

CYBERSECURITY Definition of cybersecurity

Types of cyber threats
Ethical issues in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity policies and laws

SOCIAL MEDIA AND Definition of social media

ONLINE COMMUNITIES Social media and online communities in the digital age
Ethical issues in social media and online communities
Social media policies and guidelines

HUMAN-COMPUTER Definition of human-computer interaction

INTERACTION User experience and usability
Ethical considerations in human-computer interaction
Accessibility and inclusivity in human-computer interaction

ETHICS AND Ethics in computer science research

PROFESSIONALISM IN Professionalism in computer science
COMPUTER SCIENCE The role of computer professionals in society
Ethical decision making frameworks
Case studies in computer science ethics
Analyzing ethical dilemmas in computer science
Strategies for making ethical decisions in computer science

E-WASTE Definition of e-waste

How to properly handle e-waste (recycling, safe disposal)

SOCIETAL IMPACTS OF The impact of computer technology on society

COMPUTER Digital divide and technology accessibility
TECHNOLOGY The relationship between computer technology and social inequality
The role of computer professionals in addressing societal impacts

TEACHING/LEARNING METHODOLOGY

Lectures, class discussion and presentations, analytical questions, case studies, illustrations, Group/class
discussions

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

PowerPoint and Pdf presentations.

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 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
- Assignment 1 & 2 @ 5 marks
- 2 CATs (1 sitting, 1 takeaway) @10 marks
- Group discussion @ 10 marks
- Final Exam: 60 marks
Total = 100 marks

REFERENCE TEXTBOOKS

www.pdfdrive.com

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