Activity 3: CS for All

Time: 30 min

For your homework in the previous module, you read an article about bias in speech recognition software and the need for development teams to consider the diversity of its users when designing and engineering their products. In this activity, you will consider how schools and teachers can support the need for diversity in Computer Science.

Please complete the following exercises using your understanding of the article.

  1. Set a 3-minute timer. Brainstorm some technologies (other than speech recognition) that may be biased. Write down as many as you can come up with before the time runs out.

    • After time is up, read through your list.
    • What types of biases do these technologies have in common?
  2. Set a 5-minute timer. Brainstorm some design philosophies that can remove bias from the technologies you listed in part 1. Write down as many ideas as you can before time runs out.

  3. In 1-2 paragraphs, respond to the following prompt:

    “What can we as teachers do to support the development of technology that does not discriminate against user?”

  4. In one concise sentence, answer the following question in your own words:

    “What do we want students to understand and do regarding bias in technology?”

  5. Lastly, list some potential challenges that you might face when trying to teach students about bias in technology.