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Shobita Parthasarathy
More than ever, technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. This has an enormous impact, particularly for marginalized communities. The artificial intelligence and computer algorithms increasingly driving government and industry decisions—from the allocation of social services to hiring—are reflecting and reinforcing social biases towards women, people of color, and disabled people, among others. Global climate change is having a disproportionately negative impact on low- and middle-income countries, and on historically disadvantaged communities of color in the United States. Communities are increasingly concerned they are not benefiting from government research funding, and that the regulation of emerging technologies is inadequate.
Read more
More than ever, technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. This has an enormous impact, particularly for marginalized communities. The artificial intelligence and computer algorithms increasingly driving government and industry decisions—from the allocation of social services to hiring—are reflecting and reinforcing social biases towards women, people of color, and disabled people, among others. Global climate change is having a disproportionately negative impact on low- and middle-income countries, and on historically disadvantaged communities of color in the United States. Communities are increasingly concerned they are not benefiting from government research funding, and that the regulation of emerging technologies is inadequate.
Read more
More than ever, technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. This has an enormous impact, particularly for marginalized communities. The artificial intelligence and computer algorithms increasingly driving government and industry decisions—from the allocation of social services to hiring—are reflecting and reinforcing social biases towards women, people of color, and disabled people, among others. Global climate change is having a disproportionately negative impact on low- and middle-income countries, and on historically disadvantaged communities of color in the United States. Communities are increasingly concerned they are not benefiting from government research funding, and that the regulation of emerging technologies is inadequate.
The interconnectedness of technology, policy, and equality raises crucial questions for scientists, technologists, and leaders in public policy, civil society, and industry. How can technology be built, implemented, and governed more equitably? How can the concerns of marginalized communities be integrated better into technology and related policies? How should community knowledge and concerns be integrated with technical expertise and scientific evidence in the development of public policies?
This course aims to help learners understand how inequity and injustice can become embedded in technology, science, and associated policies, and how this can be addressed.
Combining real-world cases with scholarly insights, this course introduces learners to these challenges and offers tools for navigating them. You will learn about:
- The landscape of technology policymaking
- How technology, and related policies both reflect and reinforce social values, biases and politics
- The power and limitations of technology in solving social problems
- New ways to think about “experts” and “publics”
- The politics of innovation policy
The course is designed for people from diverse professional, advocacy, and academic backgrounds. No scientific, technical, or policy background is necessary.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/k8f2db/justice
What's inside
Syllabus
How do Values Shape Technology?
In this week first week of the course on How do values Shape Technology?, you'll be learning about social values, political priorities, and how the impacts of values, biases and assumptions shape design. You can expect a few graded quizzes and discussion prompts.
Read more
Syllabus
How do Values Shape Technology?
In this week first week of the course on How do values Shape Technology?, you'll be learning about social values, political priorities, and how the impacts of values, biases and assumptions shape design. You can expect a few graded quizzes and discussion prompts.
Read more
Technology and Equity
In this week on Technology and Equity, you'll be learning about traditional goals and values, hiding bias and inequities in language, and hidden assumptions and embedded inequalities in technology design and development. You can also expect two graded quizzes and a discussion prompt throughout the week.
Technology Policy and Equity
In this week on Technology Policy and Equity, you'll learn about how social values and political priorities shape policy, institutions and patents, science and technology policy and equity, and hiding bias and inequalities in technology regulation. You can expect one graded quiz, three ungraded quizzes and a discussion prompt in this week.
Rethinking Expertise
In this week on Rethinking Expertise, you'll be learning about expertise and public mistrust, and expanding expertise. In addition to two graded quizzes, you will get the chance to apply what you're learning in your first short peer reviewed assignment.
Rethinking Design
In this week on Rethinking Design, you'll be learning about community based design and a framework for responsible innovation. In addition to a graded quiz and two discussion prompts, you'll continue applying what you're learning in another short peer reviewed assignment at the end of the week.
Rethinking Policy and Governance
In this final week of the course on Rethinking Policy and Governance, you'll learn about rethinking technology policy for equity, democratic engagement, and change in governance of technology. After completing a graded quiz and a discussion prompt, this week and the course will conclude with a final peer reviewed assignment.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores how technology, science, and related policies can perpetuate inequity and injustice, and how to address it
Taught by Shobita Parthasarathy, a leading researcher and advocate in the field of technology and social justice
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials to reinforce concepts
Provides a multi-modal learning experience with videos, readings, discussions, and more
Examines how technology and related policies reflect and reinforce social values, biases, and politics
Develops critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate complex socio-technical issues
Save this course
Save Justice and Equity in Technology Policy to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Justice and Equity in Technology Policy with these
activities:
Review statistics
Show steps
Brush up on your statistical skills to strengthen your understanding of data analysis and research methods used in technology and policy research.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Revisit basic statistical concepts, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
-
Practice applying statistical tests, including hypothesis testing and regression analysis.
Read 'Algorithms of Oppression' by Safiya Umoja Noble
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic biases embedded in algorithms and their impact on marginalized communities.
View
Algorithms of Oppression
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Algorithms of Oppression'.
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts and arguments.
-
Reflect on the implications of the book for your own work and research.
Attend a workshop on technology policy and ethics
Show steps
Gain insights from experts and engage in hands-on activities to enhance your understanding of the ethical and policy implications of technology.
Browse courses on
Technology Policy
Show steps
-
Search for workshops on technology policy and ethics in your area.
-
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a peer discussion on the societal impacts of emerging technologies
Show steps
Engage in discussions with peers to broaden your understanding of the potential consequences of technological advancements.
Browse courses on
Emerging Technologies
Show steps
-
Join a study group or online forum focused on the societal impacts of technology.
-
Prepare discussion points based on the course materials.
-
Actively participate in the discussion, sharing your perspectives and listening to others.
Develop a policy brief on addressing bias in AI systems
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of technology policy to create a tangible deliverable that addresses a real-world issue.
Browse courses on
AI Bias
Show steps
-
Research best practices for mitigating bias in AI systems.
-
Identify a specific policy area where AI bias is a concern.
-
Develop a policy brief outlining recommendations for addressing the issue.
Participate in a hackathon focused on social impact
Show steps
Engage in a hands-on challenge that combines your technical skills with your passion for solving societal issues.
Show steps
-
Find a hackathon that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Form a team or work independently to develop a solution.
-
Present your solution to a panel of judges.
Contribute to an open-source project related to technology and equity
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the field by collaborating on open-source projects that promote equity in technology.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skills.
-
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
-
Submit a code contribution or participate in discussions.
Review statistics
Show steps
Brush up on your statistical skills to strengthen your understanding of data analysis and research methods used in technology and policy research.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit basic statistical concepts, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
- Practice applying statistical tests, including hypothesis testing and regression analysis.
Read 'Algorithms of Oppression' by Safiya Umoja Noble
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic biases embedded in algorithms and their impact on marginalized communities.
View
Algorithms of Oppression
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Algorithms of Oppression'.
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts and arguments.
- Reflect on the implications of the book for your own work and research.
Attend a workshop on technology policy and ethics
Show steps
Gain insights from experts and engage in hands-on activities to enhance your understanding of the ethical and policy implications of technology.
Browse courses on
Technology Policy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for workshops on technology policy and ethics in your area.
- Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a peer discussion on the societal impacts of emerging technologies
Show steps
Engage in discussions with peers to broaden your understanding of the potential consequences of technological advancements.
Browse courses on
Emerging Technologies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a study group or online forum focused on the societal impacts of technology.
- Prepare discussion points based on the course materials.
- Actively participate in the discussion, sharing your perspectives and listening to others.
Develop a policy brief on addressing bias in AI systems
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of technology policy to create a tangible deliverable that addresses a real-world issue.
Browse courses on
AI Bias
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research best practices for mitigating bias in AI systems.
- Identify a specific policy area where AI bias is a concern.
- Develop a policy brief outlining recommendations for addressing the issue.
Participate in a hackathon focused on social impact
Show steps
Engage in a hands-on challenge that combines your technical skills with your passion for solving societal issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a hackathon that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Form a team or work independently to develop a solution.
- Present your solution to a panel of judges.
Contribute to an open-source project related to technology and equity
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the field by collaborating on open-source projects that promote equity in technology.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skills.
- Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
- Submit a code contribution or participate in discussions.
Career center
Learners who complete Justice and Equity in Technology Policy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Technology Policy Advisor
Technology Policy Advisor
Technology Policy Advisors advise government officials and industry leaders on how to develop and implement technology policies. They assess the impact of new technologies on society and the economy, and recommend policies that will promote innovation and protect the public interest. This course covers the landscape of technology policymaking, how technology and related policies reflect and reinforce social values, biases, and politics, and how to rethink technology policy for equity. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Technology Policy Advisor.
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for the development and implementation of technology strategies for their organizations. They oversee the development of new products and services, and manage the organization's technology infrastructure. This course covers how technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Chief Technology Officer.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to make recommendations for businesses and organizations. This course covers how artificial intelligence and computer algorithms are increasingly driving government and industry decisions, and how they are reflecting and reinforcing social biases. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Data Analyst.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with businesses and organizations to create websites that meet their specific needs. This course covers how artificial intelligence and computer algorithms are increasingly driving government and industry decisions, and how they are reflecting and reinforcing social biases. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Web Developer.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They develop and apply statistical and machine learning models to analyze data and extract meaningful insights. This course covers how artificial intelligence and computer algorithms are increasingly driving government and industry decisions, and how they are reflecting and reinforcing social biases. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Data Scientist.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with businesses and organizations to create software that meets their specific needs. This course covers how artificial intelligence and computer algorithms are increasingly driving government and industry decisions, and how they are reflecting and reinforcing social biases. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Software Engineer.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with businesses and organizations to identify and solve problems. They use their analytical skills to develop solutions that improve efficiency and productivity. This course covers how technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Business Analyst.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They specialize in a variety of fields, including technology, policy, and equity. This course covers how technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Professor.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts study and develop policy for government agencies and non-profit organizations. They analyze the impact of current policies and propose new policies that will meet the needs of the community. This course covers how technology policy is made, and how it reflects and reinforces social values, biases, and politics. It also covers how to rethink technology policy for equity and change in governance of technology. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Policy Analyst.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to create products that meet the needs of customers. This course covers how to rethink design and community-based design. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Product Manager.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including technology, policy, and equity. They help businesses and organizations to improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course covers how technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Consultant.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers (UX Designers) design and develop the user interface for websites, apps, and other digital products. They focus on creating products that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. This course covers how to rethink design and community-based design. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a User Experience Designer.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. They specialize in a variety of areas, including technology, policy, and equity. This course covers how technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Lawyer.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including technology, policy, and equity. They develop new theories and methods, and apply their findings to solve real-world problems. This course covers how to integrate community knowledge and concerns with technical expertise and scientific evidence in the development of public policies. It also covers how to rethink expertise and public mistrust. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Research Scientist.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news and current events for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They investigate stories, interview sources, and write articles that inform the public about important issues. This course covers how technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. It also covers how to build and implement technology more equitably, and how to integrate the concerns of marginalized communities into technology policy. This course would be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Journalist.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/k8f2db/justice
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Justice and Equity in Technology Policy.
Save
Examines the ways in which technology is used to perpetuate racial inequality. It argues that we need to develop new tools and strategies to fight for racial justice in the digital age.
Examines the ways in which search engines reinforce racism. It shows how search algorithms can perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination, and how we can design more equitable search tools.
Save
Collection of essays that explore the intersection of digital rights and social justice. It covers a wide range of topics, including the right to privacy, the right to access information, and the right to free expression.
Examines the ways in which mass incarceration new form of racial segregation. It argues that mass incarceration tool of racial control, and that it has devastating consequences for communities of color.
Save
Tells the story of eight families who are evicted from their homes. It shows how eviction major cause of poverty, and how it disproportionately affects people of color.
Collection of essays that explore the racial and social tensions in America. It classic work of American literature, and it is still relevant today.
Examines the history of the criminalization of black people in America. It shows how the criminal justice system has been used to control and oppress black people, and how this has led to the mass incarceration of black people.
Save
Argues that the police are not the best way to keep our communities safe. It proposes a new approach to public safety that is based on community-led solutions.
Examines the future of capitalism. It argues that capitalism is in crisis, and that we need to find a new economic system that is more just and sustainable.
Argues that the government plays a vital role in innovation. It shows how the government has funded and supported many of the most important technological innovations in history.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/k8f2db/justice
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Effort
6 weeks of study, 5-10 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Shobita Parthasarathy
Language
English
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Good to know
Explores how technology, science, and related policies can perpetuate inequity and injustice, and how to address it
Taught by Shobita Parthasarathy, a leading researcher and advocate in the field of technology and social justice
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials to reinforce concepts
Provides a multi-modal learning experience with videos, readings, discussions, and more
Examines how technology and related policies reflect and reinforce social values, biases, and politics
Develops critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate complex socio-technical issues
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