CIS2: 9. Broader Issues on the Impact and Control of Computers

• investigate broader issues on the impact and control of computers
• search for web resources that address the future of computers and society
• evaluate the sources and content
• compare and contrast the issues discussed in the resources
• facilitate a discussion

• Can communities exist in cyberspace? What makes a community? Is it lonely in cyberspace?
• Is "addiction" to the internet real? Is it a problem?
• Is there a "digital divide"? What if anything should be done to resolve or eliminate the problem?
• What are the implications for a global society when a very small percentage of the world population has access to computers and computing, while most other people do not? Will this imbalance lead to unrest or encourage the have-nots to work harder to close the gap?
• Is "free" email really free?
• What skills are being lost? What new skills are being learned or developed? Is this a reasonable trade-off?
• What changes in human life styles are emerging? What are "good"? What are "bad"?

1. Read 9. Broader Issues on the Impact and Control of Computers notes for an overview for the topics that will be covered this week.

2. Read text book - Chapter 9: Broader Issues on the Impact and Control of Computers

3. Take the quiz Broader Issues . Answer based on your reading from the textbook. When you have completed all the questions, submit your quiz for grading.

4. Search the web for sites that talk about the future of computers and society . This could include anything from education and work to wearable computers. Look for discussions that suggest different outcomes or directions for computers and society. Find 2 that you think are particularly interesting. Write 3-4 sentences about the social issues discussed and why these are important. Be sure to describe the differences between these points of view and which one you think is more likely. Support your argument with examples. This should be in your own words. Just providing a copy of the site description is not enough. Submit the web address of the pages you selected and your description as assignment Search. Post your links and descriptions in the Future of Computers discussion topic.

5. Facilitate a discussion in the Forum topic 9. Student Discussion Questions. Write a question based on your reading from the textbook and post it to the discussion. Participate in at least 2 other dicussions. In the discussions, consider these questions. What is the impact on society? Why is this important?
   Write a discussion question for this chapter of the textbook. Read the questions already posted, and do not repeat a question asked by another student. Your question should relate directly to an issue discussed in the text, and should require a thoughtful response. Don't ask a question which can be answered by looking the answer up. Attitude, opinion, and application questions usually get thoughtful responses. Participation in a student led discussion consists of the following 4 steps:
   • Post your original question in Student Discussion Questions . This must be done within the first two days the module is active. This will be your topic - you will be the discussion leader. Your job is to facilitate this discussion and get as much information from the other participants as you can that relates to the question you have asked.
   • Read the questions posted by the other students, and respond to at least two of them. Choose the topics you think will be the most interesting and beneficial to you. You will be a participant in these discussions. Provide another viewpoint or add additional information. Your responses should be 2-3 sentences.
   • Respond to every student who responds to you. Do this in your own topic as well as the other topics you are participating in.
   • Continue participating in the threads until the module is over.
     Note: If other students are not selecting your thread to participate in, perhaps it is because your question is too complex, confusing, or uninteresting. In this case, submit another question.

6. Your particpation in class discussions is important. Throughout the quarter, discussion partication will be reviewed and graded. The discussion participation grade will contribute to your final grade for the course.

7. Write 3-4 sentences answering one of the questions in the Study Guide section for this chapter. Post your answer to discussion Impact and Control of Computers.
   Read other students' post and comment on discussion Impact and Control of Computers. Provide another viewpoint or add additional information. Your responses should be 2-3 sentences.

8. You should be working with your team on your Final Project. If you need help with your project team organization, please post your questions to the discussion.

9. Reflection - How is your group project coming along? Would this assignment be better if there was LESS time to complete it? Would everyone have to stay focused on the project and contribute sooner? Could all the work be done in fewer weeks? What could YOU do differently to contribute to your success in this project? This should be one or two paragraphs. Submit your response in the I think... assignment.