Visual Programming I

Implications of Computer Technology on Our Society Spring 1999 Leung

Course: 17-625-172-001 T TH 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Instructor: S. T. Leung

Email: Leungst@ucollege.uc.edu

Office: Sander L207

Phone: 556-1748

Office Hours: T TH 1:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. or by Appointment

Pre-requisite: None

Rationale:

In the past fifty years since the establishment of the computer technology, our society has undergone a silent revolution. We have experienced an exponential growth in information exchange, which has affected the ways we learn and we function. Almost every aspect of our daily life has been invaded and/or affected by this technology. While gaining a tremendous amount of efficiency in management, we have lost many personal touches from the yesteryears. The implication of this technology and its application without considering the ethics involved is profound. We will try to create an atmosphere in class, which will be open, honest and relaxed to allow for free flow of exchange of ideas. Only in such an environment, can we attempt to understand these enormous social transitions brought about by this technology. We hope to learn to adapt to these continuous and fast-paced changes in our lives, which have been brought about by the use of computers.

Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will acquire the ability to think critically and analytically relating to the development of the computer technology. The following is a list of some specific goals:

To be able to converse intelligently in topics related to computer technology.

To be aware of the available technology used in the government, education, entertainment, business, health care environments etc.
To be able to critically analyze the pros and cons of this technology employed by our society.
To accept the lifelong challenge in learning to use this technology in a positive fashion.
To share our learning with others.
To anticipate the future development of this technology with knowledge and to commit ourselves to use it in a creative and positive way in order to enhance humanity.
To fulfill the ultimate goal of life-long commitment to learning, we must emphasize the processes of learning. With the subject of computer technology, it is particularly apparent that though the "knowledge" might expand exponentially in the future, the processes of acquiring this knowledge could remain relatively unchanged.

Textbook: A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing by Sara Baase, Prentice Hall

Required Material: Two 3 ½" diskettes

Topics Covered:

History of Computing
Benefits of Computer Technology
Internet
Privacy vs. Information Sharing
Data Encryption: Pros and Cons
Reliance on Computers
Software and Intellectual property
Computer Crimes
Professional Ethics and Responsibilities
Future of the Technology
Current Events

Expected Work:

Weekly Reading and Short Writing Exercises -- 40%

8 Assigned reading from the textbook: One chapter per week from the textbook

8 Short writing exercise from each chapter

8 Student-selected weekly current event readings:

8 Short Summary of the current event readings

8 Selected weekly visit to the Internet

8 Short Summary of the Internet visits

The short writing assuagements are due every Tuesday, before class (11:00 a.m.) Please print a hardcopy for the instructor. In the mean time, keep all writing assignments in a diskette. At the end of the year, you need to turn the diskette in as your "folder." Unless requested otherwise by the instructor, you must follow the format stated below to complete all short writing assignments. Address each item in order and limit to one page single-spaced.

A. Identify the Assignment -- Your name, social security number, assignment number, course name and date due.

B. Dissect the Information

Title of the Reading/Article/Website
Author
Source: Journal/Book, Volume, Date, Page(s), URL
Subject: Software Piracy, Virtual Reality, Managing Database, E-Commerce, etc.
Summary Paragraph: What are the main points of the reading/article?
Issue: Is (are) issue(s) raised by the author? Or, what is the subject matter?

C. State Your Opinions

Conclusions: What conclusion can you draw from the reading?
Comments: Why do you agree or disagree with the author, and provide a short explanation.
Questions: What questions raised in your mind after the reading?

Grading Criteria

Emphasis

You must address all items listed above. I am looking for clarity in the summary and elements in critical thinking when you "dissect" the article. Please distinguish inferences drawn from the reading from any personal opinions. The questions should not only be facts finding questions. Ethical or moral questions relating to the subject that are particularly inducible to discussions should also be raised.

Points Distribution

Mechanics of Writing …………2 points

Part A…………………………….1 point

Part B…………………………….5 points

Part C…………………………….2 points

_______________________________________

Total…………………………….10 points

Plagiarism -- Your short writings are stored in an electronic medium, and they can be "broadcasted" to your classmates from time to time for discussion purposes. Also due to the storage medium, it is extremely easy for the instructor/grader to detect copying. If caught, points will be evenly divided among the participants of such practice.

Late Assignment --The short writings are stored in an electronic medium, as a side effect, the correct date and time are automatically "stamped" onto your writings. Each late day is 10% off the total points you may earn from the assignment.

Class Participation -- 30%

You will be asked in a rotational basis to present your research from the Internet or readings from the periodicals. From time to time you will act as a discussion leader, or even conduct informal debate with other members from the class. Of course you will be prepped in advance, so that you can be better prepared to speak in front of the class. You will also be expected to participate as audience with questions for the presenters on a daily basis.

Grading Criteria

The instructor reserves the right to evaluate your daily class participation based on the thoughtfulness of the questions/issues raised by you., your readiness to participate, your oral presentation skills including the ability to answer questions from your audience, and your enthusiasm. You can request the instructor to show you her weekly evaluation of your class participation grade for the past week at the beginning of each new week.

Class Project -- 30%

You are required to select one of the following project to be your class project of the course. The project is due Monday, May 24^th, 1999 by 3:00 p.m. You are expected to present the project during the last two weeks of the class in front of an audience.

Secure an interview with a business owner, preferably a local small business. Evaluate the technology employed by the business. Provide the business owner your assessment of the present technology usage. Draw a plan to add technology enhancement to improve business. For each suggested enhancement, you should identify at least:
The enhancement
Rationale
Projected initial cost and future maintenance cost
Source to provide the technology
Future expansion is any

After completing the assignment using PowerPoint, you should share your suggestions with the entire class and the business owner.

Be a dreamer. Create a business of your own. Imaging that you are going to start a new business using the technology. You need to get some starter funds from a group of financiers. You are throwing a sales pitch with a PowerPoint presentation to get your ideas across. Organize your thoughts into about 20 slides. You should consider including at least the following slides:
What is the nature of the business?
Why do you think your business will make money?
How will you use the technology to run the business? Promotion, advertising, sales, organizing database, etc.
Projected starter fund you need.
Does the business have a potential to grow? National? International?

Grading Criteria

You will need to give an oral presentation of your PowerPoint to the entire class. The instructor shall reserve the right to invite people to hear your talk. You will be graded on:

Clarity of your presentation
Thoroughness of your research
Ability to address social, legal, ethical issues as well as the technical issues
Creativity
Identification & utilization of the technology
Ability to answer questions
Interesting usage of PowerPoint

The class as a whole will evaluate your project. 50% from the instructor, 50% from the accumulated total of your class

Grading Scales:

A……….90% and above

B………..80% and above

C………..70% and above

D………..60% and above

F………..Below 60%

Attendance: Required. 3 or more absences = F

Last Day to Withdraw: Tuesday, May 25^th, 1999