Connection Topics

Overview

Connection topics is an umbrella term that refers to a set of activities, which will allow us to cover one of the big ideas of the course, interdependence, the idea that computational technology should be in service of human flourishing.

While technology is often regarded as a good thing for society, its adoption often causes problems that need to be addressed. In the first half of the semester we will read articles that discuss some of the problems caused by technology and tech companies. Then, in the second half, we will read articles about the joy of computing and some people who have contributed a lot to computing.

The activities in a connection topic include:

• Read an article (or watch a video) for the day an article is posted
• Participate in the class pop quiz on lecture (using plickers)

Part 1: The Harms of Computing

• 02/03/23, Algorithmic Bias, How a computer scientist fights bias in algorithms

• 02/10/23, Ethics, AI-Generated Artwork Wins State Fair Competition, Leaving Human Artists Unhappy

• 02/17/23, Content Moderation, TikTok sued by former content moderator for allegedly failing to protect her mental health

• 02/24/23, Transparency, Inside Facebook's Data Wars

• 03/03/23, Misinformation, On Tik-Tok, Election Misinformation Thrives Ahead of Midterms

• 03/10/23, Perpetuating Stereotypes, Alexa, are you making me sexist?

• 03/17/23, Surveillance, In a Post-Roe World, the Future of Digital Privacy Looks Even Grimmer

Part 2: Inspirations in Computing

Note: Wellesley College provides free subscription to NYTimes. Here are the details.

• 03/24/23, Pioneers in computing, Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992): A legacy of innovation and service

• 04/07/23, Pioneers in computing, Ingrid Daubechies: The Godmother of the Digital Image

• 04/14/23, Pioneers in computing, Latanya Sweeeney: Advice to my younger self

• 04/21/23, Midterm: no reading for this day.

• 04/28/23, Pioneers in computing, Yejin Choi: An A.I. Pioneer on What We Should Really Fear