A framework for enhancing the social good in computing education: a values approach

  • Authors:

  • Michael Goldweber;John Barr;Tony Clear;Renzo Davoli;Samuel Mann;Elizabeth Patitsas;Scott Portnoff

  • Affiliations:

  • Xavier University;Ithaca College;AUT University;Università di Bologna;Otago Polytechnic;University of Toronto;Downtown Magnets High School

  • Venue:
  • ACM Inroads
  • Year:
  • 2013

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Abstract

This paper addresses two interrelated problems currently confronting computer science education, motivating students while simultaneously providing them with the skills they'll need to solve complex interconnected problems. We describe a framework for motivating computer science students by adding the context of social good to introductory computing assignments. Adding the context in this manner also goes some way to addressing the need for graduates to have skills, attributes and behaviours appropriate to contributing to social good outcomes. Accompanying this, we provide 14 concrete examples of introductory computing projects that convey and reinforce computing's social relevance and potential for positive societal impact.