Assessing the benefits of integrating social issues components in the computing curriculum

  • Authors:
  • Paul Leidig;Michael Goldweber;Barbara Boucher Owens

  • Affiliations:
  • Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, USA;Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA;Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 17th ACM annual conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
  • Year:
  • 2012

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

The inclusion of social issues, including ethical and professional topics, in computing curricula has become commonplace two decades after being incorporated into the ACM Computing Curricula. However, authors of academic papers and conference presentations often concentrate on integrating the broader issues of societal impact and best practices into computing curricula, while neglecting the assessment of their benefits. This panel explores how the institutions of the panelists include social issues in projects and the curriculum as a whole, and additionally how they assess the benefits of doing so. Special attention is given to an appreciation of the social good emanating from the use of community-based and non-profit organizations in student projects. Additionally, ways to assess the effectiveness of these approaches are presented in an effort to help meet model curriculum guidelines and accreditation requirements.