To examine personal and contemporary organizational ethical issues and challenges in the design, development, and use of computing technologies in a global environment. Special emphasis on philosophical basis for computer ethics, reliability and safety of computer systems, protecting software and other intellectual property, computer crime and legal issues, and professional codes of ethics.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the ability to include ethical considerations in your decision-making

2. Outline the manner in which historical philosophers have addressed ethical issues

3. Explain the ethical issues and options that confront IT workers and IT users

4. Identify the actions that should be taken upon discovery of a security intrusion

5. Summarize the capabilities of surveillance technologies as they impact privacy

6. Analyze key federal laws and their effects on technological freedom of expression

7. Examine the scope of intellectual property issues and the available protection measures

8. Define potential ethical issues software manufactures face when making decisions

9. Elaborate on the manner in which AI and machine learning may introduce bias

10. Discuss ethical issues associated with the use of social networks and social media

11. Survey recent whistle-blowing cases focusing on associated ethical issues

Time Commitment: This class is a junior level college class. Please plan on spending roughly 10 - 12 hours a week dedicated to this class (this includes weekly meetings).

Reading Assignments: All assigned readings and supplemental material will be used as a basis for class discussions, labs, projects, and final paper. Students are expected to study the assigned readings and materials before each class meeting and may be called upon at random to participate in discussions.

Class Participation: For synchronous sections, class participation will be assessed based on cameras being on and interacting with peers as well as using various platforms such as Padlet and discussion boards. Attendance will be taken each day we meet and contribute toward your grade.

For in-person sections, attendance is required for all days the campus is open. Class participation will be assessed based on interacting with peers and with in-class discussions as well as using various platforms such as Padlet and discussion boards.

For distance learning students, there is no attendance. Class participation will be assessed based on interacting with peers through various platforms such as Padlet and discussion boards.

Freedom of Expression: As this class will be dealing with ethics in IT, we will be discussing what some may consider serious and controversial topics. It is important that all views are respected and though you may not agree with me or your peers, this is a key component to understanding ethics. All views and discussions will be respected whether verbal or written.

Technology Requirements: Basic use of Microsoft Office applications. Keyboarding and mouse operation skills recommended. Must be able to use internet and other online resources as needed.

Assessments: In order to ensure understanding of concepts, there will be various forms of assessments. There will be one Mid-Course assessment and one Post-Course assessment, as well as a Pre-Course assessment. There are also assessments ranging from simple quiz-like multiple choice and true false questions to short answer/essay style analyzation of real world case studies.

There are no makeups for these assessments.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

• Projects: In this course, you will have projects which will be used to enhance your knowledge of topics covered in this class. Projects may, or may not, reflect current topics but may be used to refresh previous topics or to introduce new topics to ensure success in this course. Projects may be assigned on an individual basis or as a group. If assigned as a group, all group members will receive the same grade.

• Padlet: We may also be using a platform called Padlet to assist with class participation and interaction. This will also be used to build new habits on how to see what is going on in the world and how it may affect you personally and/or professionally. Participation on this platform is required and part of your grade.

• Final Paper: You will be submitting a paper on computer ethics near the end of the semester – it is about preparing you for the real challenges you will face in the IT world. By diving into ethical dilemmas and studying real world cases, you are developing critical thinking skills that are crucial for making tough decisions in your future career. This is not just about learning theories; it is about learning how to apply these principles in real-life scenarios, which is what you will be doing as a professional. Plus, it is a great chance for you to practice articulating and debating complex issues, skills that are invaluable in any collaborative work environment. This paper is a stepping stone towards becoming a responsible, ethically-aware IT expert – a role that society really needs right now. More details will be given on Blackboard. Roughly midway through semester, you will propose a topic.

Ethics in Information Technology – MindTap by George W. Reynolds

ISBN: 8220118180445

This book is part of your First Day access. It is included with your tuition. Nothing for you to buy extra.

NOTE: We will be watching movie and tv clips, as well as listening to podcasts and other sources which will be used for discussions. Some of these contain adult themes and language. This is part of our world. I will do my best to prepare you ahead of time, but if you have any concerns, please reach out to me.

Our primary goal is to equip you with a robust ethical framework, essential for navigating the complex terrain of the IT field. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the intricate interplay of ethical, legal, and societal issues is not just beneficial but crucial. This course is tailored to sharpen your ethical acumen, enabling you to make informed decisions that reflect responsibility, transparency, and accountability. By comprehending the wider implications of your actions, you'll be better positioned to contribute positively to individuals, organizations, and society at large.

Throughout this course, we will delve into various key areas. You will learn how to integrate ethical considerations into your decision-making processes, drawing insights from historical philosophers who have grappled with ethical dilemmas. We will explore the unique ethical challenges faced by IT workers and users, including the appropriate responses to security intrusions. A significant focus will be on understanding the capabilities and ethical implications of surveillance technologies, particularly in relation to privacy concerns. Additionally, we will dissect key federal laws that influence technological freedom of expression, and scrutinize intellectual property issues, including protection mechanisms.

Further, we will discuss the ethical challenges software manufacturers encounter and the potential biases introduced by AI and machine learning. The ethical landscape of social networks and media will be analyzed to understand their broader societal impacts. Lastly, we will survey recent whistleblowing cases in the tech industry, examining the ethical issues they highlight. By the end of this course, you will not only have a theoretical understanding of these topics but also practical insights into applying ethical principles in real-world IT scenarios.

Tentative schedule: