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Ethics in the classroom

A reflection on integrating ethical discussions in an introductory course in computer programming

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Abstract

In this paper, we describe our recent approaches to introducing students in a beginning computer science class to the study of ethical issues related to computer science and technology. This consists of three components: lectures on ethics and technology, in-class discussion of ethical scenarios, and a reflective paper on a topic related to ethics or the impact of technology on society. We give both student reactions to these aspects, and instructor perspective on the difficulties and benefits in exposing students to these ideas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, 95053-0290, Santa Clara, CA, USA

    Dennis C. Smolarski S.J. & Tamsen Whitehead

Authors
  1. Dennis C. Smolarski S.J.
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  2. Tamsen Whitehead
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Smolarski, D.C., Whitehead, T. Ethics in the classroom. SCI ENG ETHICS 6, 255–264 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-000-0053-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-000-0053-8

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