Section 1.2

Learning Goals

• Students will identify and describe seven truths about technology as described in "Blown to Bits".

• Students will apply these truths to a given scenario and will describe the impact of technology on the scenario.

• Students will practice clear, concise and thorough written responses.

• IOC-1.B.1: Computing innovations can be used in ways that their creators had not originally intended:

  •  Machine learning and data mining have enabled innovation in medicine, business, and science, but information discovered in this way has also been used to discriminate  against groups of individuals

Objectives and Description

The "Blown to Bits: Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion" First and Second Edition books were suggested to be assigned for summer reading.  If you have saved them for the school year, students are asked to read Chapter 1 in the book, "Blown to Bits" by Abelson, Ledeen and Lewis.   Chapter 1 introduces students to seven truths about digital information as well as highlights both the beneficial and harmful effects of technology using real-life examples.  Students are required to analyze the material and apply the concepts to different situations.  

APCSP has a strong focus on communication and technical writing.  This is the first activity that requires clear, concise, and thorough written explanations.  Students are given a resource that showcases the difference between poor written responses and high-quality written responses. 

Watch and respond to a Ted Talk about algorithmic bias.

Activities

Activity 1.2.1 (55 minutes or take home assignment)

1. Students are asked to read Chapter 1 in the book, "Blown to Bits" by Abelson, Ledeen and Lewis.  

2. The teacher needs to explain the importance of technical writing.  Written responses in APCSP need to be clear and concise while thoroughly answering the prompt.  It is a good teaching practice to show students examples of high-quality work so that they have a model to refer to.  The student written response resource gives them the explanation and the model.

3. Students are asked to complete the Reflections and Guided Reading Questions Chapter 1.

4. Reflection and discussion:  After students have completed the reading assignment and the worksheet, give them an opportunity to discuss their findings in small groups.  Consider giving them discussion prompts, such as

   • Which Koan surprised you?

   • Is there a Koan that you disagree with?  Why?

   • What is a personal example when you have found technology can be both good and bad?

   • What is the relationship between technology and power?

Activity 1.2.2 (25 minutes or take home assignment)

1.  Play  the Ted Talk video, "How I'm Fighting Bias in Algorithms" by Joy Buolamwini or assign it for homework.

   • Students complete the Fighting Bias worksheet.

Resources

• 1.2.1 "Blown to Bits: Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion" (Student Resource)

• 1.2.1: Written response expectations and examples (Student Resource)

• 1.2.1: Reflections and Guided Reading Questions Chapter 1 (Student Worksheet)

• 1.2.2: Ted Talk video, "How I'm Fighting Bias in Algorithms" by Joy Buolamwini (Teacher Resource)

• 1.2.2: Fighting Bias (Student Worksheet)