Computing Bias

Summary

Materials

• Day 4 PowerPoint deck
• Have You Ever? Reflection
• Introducing the Xbox Adaptive Controller
• Bias in Technology Article
• Bias in Technology Article PDF
• Robot racism? Yes, says a study showing humans' biases extend to robots - CNN
• Resource for Educator
• Notetaking template

Instructional Activities and Classroom Assessments

1. Have You Ever? (15 minutes)
2. Computing Bias (10 minutes)
3. Lack of Diversity (20 minutes)
4. Robot Racism (Optional)
5. Homework

Learning Objectives

• Computational Thinking Practice 5.E.
• IOC-1.D Explain how bias exists in computing innovations.
• CRD-1.A

Essential Knowledge

• IOC-1.D.1 Computing innovations can reflect existing human biases because of biases written into the algorithms or biases in the data used by the innovation.
• IOC-1.D.2 Programmers should take action to reduce bias in algorithms used for computing innovations as a way of combating existing human biases.
• IOC-1.D.3 Biases can be embedded at all levels of software development.
• CRD-1.A.3
• CRD-1.A.4
• CRD-1.A.5
• CRD-1.A.6

1. Have You Ever? (15 minutes)

• Ask students to stand up and arrange themselves in a straight line in the middle of the classroom.
• Explain to students that you will ask one question at a time:
  • If their answer to the question is yes, move to the left of the room.
  • If their answer to the question is no, move to the right of the room.
• Prepare students that the questions are thoughtful and may make them feel uncomfortable.
• When finished asking each question, ask students to quietly reflect on what they felt/observed during the activity and to write their responses on the Have You Ever? Reflection page.
• Conduct a group discussion about their observations.

2. Computing Bias (10 minutes)

• Explain what computing bias is.
• Share an example of an inaccessible software for the blind.
• Share an example of new design of game controller to be accessible:
  • Play Xbox Adaptive Controller video.
  • Ask students: How do you think the designers developed their modifications?

3. Lack of Diversity (20 minutes)

• Explain one cause of bias is a lack of diversity in the computer science field.
• Ask students to read Bias in Technology Article.
• Encourage students to brainstorm ideas of how to increase diversity while they wait for classmates to finish reading.
• Once everyone is finished, ask students to share ideas on how tech companies can increase diversity.

4. Robot Racism (Optional)

• If students finish their discussion about how to increase diversity early, ask students to read the Robot racism? Yes, says a study showing humans' biases extend to robots - CNN article.
• When they are finished, ask them to answer the following questions:
  • Do you think a lack of diversity influences robot color?
  • How do we change perceptions that influence our biases?

5. Homework

• Read pages 36-47 of Blown to Bits Chapter 2.
• Use Notetaking template to take notes.