ON DEMAND: Using Role Play Scenarios to Teach Ethical Thinking

Abstract

Algorithms affect decision-making through many domains in our world today. From communication between people to measuring financial risk, industrial manufacturing to proctoring tools for remote learning, algorithms drive decision-making in many disciplines, even those outside of computing and technology. Ultimately, algorithms affect how people interact with each other and the world. This widespread push for automation of everyday activities relies on computing and technology professionals, who depend on their foundational knowledge of algorithms to create solutions to the human condition. Therefore, it is fundamental that students who are building this foundational knowledge of developing and manipulating algorithms through their coursework are aware of the benefits, implications, and consequences of this decision-making. Although there are several ways that this ethics-focused thinking can be taught in a classroom, there is no standardized curriculum for ethics coursework. This research project reports findings from a study of the design, implementation, and evaluation of the use of role play scenarios (RPS) for teaching student's ethical decision-making in algorithm-rich work environments. This presentation's primary outcome is to discuss how to implement role plays through an active learning environment to discuss ethics-related topics in computing and technology courses. The discussion is based on feedback from participants of past role plays can be applied to using role play activities in other disciplines

Participants will be able to engage in discussion with the authors about implementing role play scenarios in their own classes. This presentation's primary outcome is to discuss how to implement role plays through an active learning environment to discuss ethics-related topics in computing and technology courses.