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BN201 – Professional Issues of IT: Assignment 1

Assessment Title: ICT developments and ethical, social, and legal issues

Purpose of the Assessment:

The purpose of this assignment is to develop skills in research, critical analysis and academic writing of high standard.  On completion of this assignment students will be able to:

1. Identify potential ethical, social, and legal issues resulting from ICT developments.
2. Prepare written and oral presentations on ethical, social, and legal issues pertaining to ICT.
3. Explain ICT solutions so that ethical standards are achieved and maintained and society benefits.

Description: This assignment is to develop skills in academic and effective writing particularly in ethics, professional communication research, management or leadership.

Answer ALL four questions

Assignment Description

Answer ALL four questions

1. Case Study:

An internal website development team wants to perform a usability test on a website using internal and external participants in equal proportions. The ethical issue revolves on whether the consent form designed for external users should alsobe used for the internals. Some members of the usability team argue that the terms of employment are sufficient to require internals to participate. Others argue that the purpose of ‘consent’ is to ensure that participants understand;

“Why they have been invited to participate, what is involved in the participation, what type of data will be collected?, how it will be used, and that the participation is voluntary where participants can cease to participate at any time during research”

Discussion Question

1. Given that the company paid for usability testing and that the employees have agreed to work for the company based on the terms and conditions specified in their contract, however, are they free to make their own choice toleave the usability test?
2. Discuss your answer with respect to your ACS values – Enhancement of Quality of Life of those affected by your work and Professionalism.

To find more details on ACS values refer: “ACS Code of Professional Conduct”

https://www.acs.org.au/content/dam/acs/rules-and-regulations/Code-of-Professional-Conduct_v2.1.pdf (10 marks)

 2. Case study – Kevin Rudd and the language game

This is an excerpt from former Prime Minister Rudd’s 2008 ‘Sorry’ speech, in which he presented an apology on behalf of the Australian Parliament to the stolen generations of Indigenous Australians:

“I move that today we honour the indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history. We reflect on their past mistreatment. We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were stolen generations – this blemished chapter in our nation’s history.

The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future. We apologise for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country. For the pain, suffering and hurt of these stolen generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry. To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry. And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.

We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation. For the future we take heart, resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written. We today take this step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to the future that embraces all Australians. A future where this parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again. A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, indigenous and non-indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity. A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed. A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility. A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia. There comes a time in the history of nations when their peoples must become fully reconciled to their past if they are to go forward with confidence to embrace their future. Our nation, Australia, has reached such a time. Let us turn this page together: indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, government and opposition, Commonwealth and state, and write this new chapter in our nation’s story together. First Australians, First Fleeters, and those who took the oath of allegiance just a few weeks ago. Let’s grasp this opportunity to craft a new future for this great land: Australia.”

Discussion Question

1. Consider the speech as an example of effective persuasion. How does the speaker attempt to win ‘the language game’?
2. Look at the various linguistic ‘devices’ that he uses and discuss how these help advance the argument he is making, and the emotions. (10 marks)
3. Describe the term “Procrastination” by using your procrastination experiences as examples. (5 marks)
4. Write a reflective report on one topic you learnt or discovered through participating in the week 1-3 lectures and lab sessions that involved in some kind of learning or skill development. Eg Time management, stress management,…

Use the following template to write your answers.  In this Template you are required to complete 4 sections as given below.

1. D – Describe experience –

Eg.  Write about what happened. Describe the situation (the context)

2. E – Explore or consolidate new learning.

EgWhat are the good and the bad aspects of the event /situation.

3. E – Evaluate/analyse/self-reaction

Eg. Can you demonstrate an improved awareness and self-development because of the event/situation?

4. P – Plan future learning.

Eg. What steps are you going to take on the basis of what you have learned?” (15 Marks)