Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and the Internet (2nd ed.)
by Sara Baase
Student Presentation and Class Discussion Topics
Student Presentations
We have several assignments where students work in groups of 3-6 people to prepare a short (3-5 minute) presentation. Each group chooses one spokesperson. I generally give the students about 15 minutes to meet in class to prepare, at the class meeting that preceeds the presentations. Most groups do more work outside of class in person or by e-mail. I require that each student take a turn as spokesperson once during the semester (or do some other kind of presentation, such as a talk on his or her term paper). I assign the students to groups and change the groups for presentations for different chapters so that students get to work with most other students in the class.
If you do not wish to assign the students to do presentations, any of the presentation topics and scenarios can be used for lively instructor-led discussions in class.
Instructions Given to Students
The presentations should analyze the situation, use analogies and similar cases where possible, mention various possible risks or consequences, etc. If relevant, include some discussion of how the new technology changes the situation. What advantages or problems result from using it, compared to the old way of doing things? Present the groups proposals and/or conclusions, supported by arguments.
Topics/Scenarios
Here are descriptions of some presentation assignments I have used and new ones I created for the 2nd edition of the text, along with my comments. Many of these will remain useful; some might become dated. I hope they give you ideas afor creating new presentation assignments based on current topics and incidents in the news.
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