Justice and Equity in Technology Policy

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/justice-and-equity-in-technology-policy

Introduction

### Course Review: Justice and Equity in Technology Policy #### Overview The **Justice and Equity in Technology Policy** course on Coursera addresses an increasingly urgent issue: the interplay between technology and public policy, especially how these elements affect marginalized communities. As technology takes a more prominent role in decision-making across various sectors— from government resource allocation to hiring practices—it's crucial to unpack the biases and assumptions that come embedded in these technological systems. The course deftly explores the impact of artificial intelligence and computer algorithms, which often perpetuate social biases against women, people of color, and disabled individuals. Furthermore, it highlights the exacerbating effects of global climate change on low- and middle-income communities. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **How Do Values Shape Technology?** - The course begins by exploring how social values and political priorities influence technology design. This foundational week includes graded quizzes and discussion prompts, ensuring that participants engage actively with the material. 2. **Technology and Equity** - In the second week, the focus shifts to uncovering hidden biases and inequities that language and design can perpetuate. This week includes two quizzes and a discussion prompt, encouraging deeper reflection on the implications of technological choices. 3. **Technology Policy and Equity** - The third week delves into how social values shape technology policy and governance structures. There are quizzes and opportunities for discussion, allowing learners to critically assess the relationship between policy-making and equity. 4. **Rethinking Expertise** - In the fourth week, the course challenges the traditional notions of expertise and public trust. Students are encouraged to apply their learning in a peer-reviewed assignment, fostering collaborative learning and application of concepts. 5. **Rethinking Design** - The fifth week emphasizes community-based design and frameworks for responsible innovation. Two discussion prompts and a quiz raise awareness of the importance of inclusivity in the design process, reinforcing the idea that technology should serve diverse communities. 6. **Rethinking Policy and Governance** - The final week culminates in discussions about revising technology policy to promote equity and democratic engagement. A major highlight of this week is a peer-reviewed assignment that synthesizes all learned concepts, encouraging learners to envision practical solutions for equitable governance. #### Recommendations The **Justice and Equity in Technology Policy** course is a vital resource for anyone interested in understanding the socio-political dimensions of technology. It's particularly beneficial for: - **Policy Makers and Analysts**: This course equips them with the tools to craft policies that acknowledge and address inequalities in technology. - **Tech Industry Professionals**: Those working in technology will gain insights into designing systems that prioritize equity, helping to foster a more inclusive tech landscape. - **Social Activists and Advocates**: The course provides a framework to advocate for marginalized communities in discussions around technology and policy. #### Conclusion By enrolling in this course, participants will not only gain a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of technology in society but also acquire actionable strategies to challenge existing biases and drive change. The structured progression from theoretical foundations to practical applications ensures comprehensive learning, making this course highly recommendable for those looking to navigate the complex relationships between justice, equity, and technology policy. Whether you are a professional in the field or a concerned citizen, this course will empower you with knowledge to advocate for a fair and equitable technological future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.