User:Vtaylor/Computers and Society/8. Errors, Failures, and Risks


 * In this module, we will look at some of the uses of computers where they have very direct personal implications for our health and safety. Who is responsible for the use and abuse that can result from these relationships and interactions?

Computers themselves are not capable of original thought but they can act as through they "think". Computers have capabilities to "remember" vast amounts of information and apply the information according to millions of rules that have been defined by hundreds of programmers over decades. How does this all come together? What happens when there are conflicts within the rules or data and something goes wrong?

Learning outcomes
 * recognize the benefits and dangers associated with computers
 * select web sites that provide additional insight into the issues
 * examine issues raised in discussions
 * write thoughtful responses to questions asked

Keywords


 * failures, errors, reliability, safety, dependency

Study notes


 * We are becoming more dependent on technology. What safeguards should there be to ensure that we are safe from this technology?


 * Who should be responsible in the case of technology doing damage or causing injury?


 * What computer errors are just annoying? What are some examples of serious computer errors?


 * What is the difference between a "design flaw" and a "bug"? Is one more serious than the other?


 * What legal remedies should be available in cases of computer hardware and software problems?


 * Are we too dependent on computers?


 * How reliable and accurate are computer models? Are there computer models that are "better" than real life testing?


 * Which people or organizations have helped make systems safer or reduced the negative consequences of errors?

== Selected media==

== Assignments==


 * 1) Before you start the reading and the assignments, take a few minutes to think about what you already know about the topic - Errors, Failures and Risks. Write a sentence or two about this in the I know... discussion.


 * 1) Read the Study notes for an overview for the topics that will be covered.


 * 1) Read, view, listen to the selections in the Selected media list.


 * 1) Choose 3 words from the Keywords list. Find a web article or other online media that provides information about the words and how they relates to the course. Post the words, links to your selected web articles or online media, and a brief description about your selection for each, to the discussion 'Privacy keywords. Follow links provided by 3 other students, review their suggested articles and media, and write a brief reply to the author for each.


 * 1) We will be using the WikiEducator.org wiki for collaborative writing where everyone in the project group works together to prepare your project presentations. Wikieducator is intended as a resource for learners and educators. http://wikieducator.org

You should have created a user account and a personal User page for your account already. http://wikieducator.org/Wikieducator_tutorial/Creating_an_Account/Instructions

Practice writing and editing by adding information about your final project plan to your user page. Help links are available - left navigation, and at the bottom of editable pages. There are several tutorials available as well - basic editing, including media, free image sources, collaborative editing. http://wikieducator.org/Wikieducator_tutorial

Post a link to your WikiEducator User page in the WikiEducator Users discussion. http://www.wikieducator.org/User:...your user name...


 * 1) Search the web for sites that talk about medicine and computers. Find one that you think are particularly interesting. Your "find" should be dated within the last year. Write a critical-thinking question about the social issues discussed. Post the web site address and your question to the Forum discussion Medicine and Computers. Facilitate your discussion and participate in at least 2 other discussions. Things to think about - Why is this important to society? What is the impact on society?

Be aware of the dates on sources of material. Just like old library books or periodicals, old web articles can provide misleading and out-dated information.


 * 1) Have you seen some new and exciting technology that we haven't talked about? Looking to technology today and beyond, there are new applications, new software tools and new directions in information technology. Select a web site that is an example of where we are going. Is there some new application that you and your friends have just started using? Is there new software that has been in the news as the hot new thing? Are there uses of technology that you would like to see? How will this have a big impact our lives and our use of technology? Post a link to the site and describe your selection in the What's new and important? discussion forum.

REMINDER: Your responses to this and all other assignments will be graded for college-level writing. Spelling and grammar errors will result in deductions. Late submissions will be accepted but points will be deducted. Complete and thoughtful replies that demonstrate original thinking and personal experience will be rewarded with extra points. For more information, see Grading Criteria.


 * 1) Reflection - What have you learned about Trusting Computers and how this applies to Computers and Society from the notes, readings and assignments? Are you more aware of computers around you? Are computers affecting society? What was ONE important thing you learned this week? What was ONE point that was not clear? Your response should be two or three paragraphs. Use the I Think... 8 assignment to submit your note.