Prof IT Final Outline PDF

Chapter 5: Freedom of Expression (CLO2): 1. Definition of Freedom of Expression (FoE) Freedom of expression is the right to communicate ideas, opinions, and information without fear of censorship or restraint. It includes: Speech: Both verbal and written communication. Nonverbal E...

Chapter 5: Freedom of Expression (CLO2): 1. Definition of Freedom of Expression (FoE) Freedom of expression is the right to communicate ideas, opinions, and information without fear of censorship or restraint. It includes: Speech: Both verbal and written communication. Nonverbal Expression: Visual, symbolic, or other nonverbal forms of communication. Anonymity: The right to express oneself without revealing their identity. 2. The Basis for the Protection of FoE and What Types Are Not Protected Protection Basis: In the U.S., the First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of expression, as it is essential for democracy and individual liberty. Speech Not Protected: ○ Obscene Speech: Offensive content with no artistic, political, or scientific value. ○ Defamation: False statements that harm someone’s reputation (spoken = slander, written = libel). ○ Incitement to Panic or Crime: Speech causing unnecessary panic or promoting illegal acts. ○ Fighting Words: Words intended to provoke violence. ○ Sedition: Speech aimed at inciting rebellion against authority. 3. FoE Issues That Affect/Impact Communities and Organizations Controlling Access to Information: ○ Challenges with children’s access to inappropriate material on the Internet. ○ Use of laws like the Communications Decency Act (CDA) and Child Online Protection Act (COPA). ○ Internet filtering techniques such as URL filtering and dynamic content filtering. Defamation and Hate Speech: ○ Sending threatening or hateful messages online. ○ Public displays of hate or defamatory content. ○ Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may prohibit hate speech without violating freedom of expression. Anonymity: ○ Ensures privacy in expressing opinions but can also enable illegal or unethical actions (e.g., anonymous remailer services). 4. FoE Issues Related to Use of IT Internet Filtering: ○ Software and tools to block harmful or inappropriate websites. ○ Example: Family-friendly ISPs block specific sites automatically. Anonymous Communication: ○ Used to protect identity but can also hide the source of illegal activities. ○ Example: Anonymous remailer services strip identifying information from emails. Hate Speech Online: ○ ISPs may face pressure to monitor and control content that promotes hate or violence. Defamation: ○ Cyber libel cases where individuals harm reputations under pseudonyms or anonymously. Chapter 6: Intellectual Property (CLO3): 1. Definition of Intellectual Property (IP) Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind that are distinct and “owned” by individuals or groups. Examples: Literature, art, inventions, and trade secrets. It is protected by laws such as copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. 2. Laws Protecting IP 1. Copyright Laws: Protects original works like books, music, and software. 2. Patent Laws: Protects inventions, granting exclusive rights to inventors. 3. Trade Secret Laws: Safeguards confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage. 3. Subjects Considered as Intellectual Property Literary and artistic works. Inventions and innovations. Trade secrets, including customer lists and business plans. Software and digital content. 4. Copyrights Definition: Protects creators' rights to distribute, reproduce, display, or create derivative works. Examples of Copyrightable Works: ○ Music, books, movies, software, and art. Fair Use Doctrine: Allows limited use of copyrighted materials without permission based on: ○ Purpose of use. ○ Amount used. ○ Impact on the original work’s value. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Adds penalties for copyright infringement and governs digital media use. 5. Patents Definition: Protects inventions by giving creators exclusive rights for a limited time. Requirements: 1. Must fall into certain categories (e.g., machines, processes). 2. Must be useful, novel, and not obvious. Patent Infringement: Unauthorized use of patented inventions can lead to monetary penalties. Software Patents: Protect processes or functions executed by computer programs. 6. Trade Secrets Definition: Confidential business information with economic value. Examples: Formulas, processes, and strategies. Protection: ○ Companies must take active steps (e.g., nondisclosure agreements). ○ Loss often occurs through employees or competitors. Noncompete Agreements: Prevent employees from joining competitors after leaving. 7. Plagiarism Definition: Using someone else’s ideas or words without proper attribution. Common among students and professionals, especially in digital content. Combating Plagiarism: ○ Educate about proper citation. ○ Use plagiarism detection tools. ○ Break large assignments into smaller parts for review. ○ ○ Chapter 7: Software Development (CLO3): 1. Definition of Software/System Development Software/system development involves creating software systems that meet users' needs. It includes defining requirements, designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications. 2. Requirements of High-Quality Software High-quality software must: Operate safely and dependably. Have a high degree of availability. Support critical domains such as air traffic control, nuclear power, healthcare, and military systems. Meet users' needs effectively while minimizing defects. Include proper quality management to define, measure, and refine the development process and its outputs. 3. Issues with Software Development a. Ethical Issues Balancing project schedules, costs, and software quality. Determining the amount of effort and resources invested to ensure high-quality software. Addressing the consequences of releasing defective software. b. Liability Issues Product Liability: Manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products. Negligence: Liability is limited to defects that could have been detected and corrected through reasonable practices. c. Development Methodologies Developers must adhere to rigorous engineering principles and learn from past mistakes. Quality software often requires: ○ Defining clear requirements. ○ Following best practices. ○ Using strategies to prevent human errors. d. Safety-Critical Systems These are systems where failure could result in injury or death (e.g., medical devices, airplane navigation). Development involves: ○ Rigorous testing and quality assurance. ○ Redundancy mechanisms like N-version programming. ○ Robust configuration management systems and safety reviews. e. Quality Management ISO 9000 Standards: A framework ensuring quality in products, services, and management. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): Evaluates system reliability and identifies potential failures early in the project lifecycle. Chapter 8: Socio-Economic Impact and Digital Divide (CLO5): 1. Definition of Digital Divide The digital divide refers to the gap between people who have access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and those who do not. This divide can exist between different countries, economic classes, or within a single nation. a. Approach and Goals to Reduce the Negative Influence of the Digital Divide E-Rate Program: Provides discounted access to technologies for schools and libraries, though it has faced issues like abuse and waste. Ed-Tech Program: ○ Goals: 1. Improve academic achievement through technology in schools. 2. Help children bridge the digital divide. 3. Encourage effective integration of technology. ○ Seven-step approach: 1. Strengthen leadership. 2. Consider innovative budgeting. 3. Improve teacher training. 4. Support e-learning and virtual schools. 5. Encourage broadband access. 6. Move toward digital content. 7. Integrate data systems. Optimization Technologies: ○ Efforts to make computing and communication better, cheaper, and faster for broader accessibility, e.g., $100 laptops developed by MIT's Media Lab. 2. The Impact of IT on Healthcare Costs a. Use of IT in the Healthcare Industry Electronic Health Records (EHRs): ○ Captures and records patient data. ○ Reduces diagnostic errors and duplicate tests. ○ Can save $78 billion to $400 billion annually. ○ Supports the National Health Information Network (NHIN), promoting interoperable EHRs while ensuring patient privacy. Mobile and Wireless Technologies: ○ Access and update EHRs at patients’ bedsides. ○ Scan barcodes on patient wristbands and medications. ○ Locate healthcare staff efficiently. Telemedicine: ○ Provides medical care remotely via telecommunications. ○ Includes: Store-and-Forward Telemedicine: Collects data (e.g., images, videos) to be assessed later. Live Telemedicine: Conducted in real time via videoconferencing. ○ Improves healthcare access for remote populations. Web-based Health Information: ○ Offers reliable medical information to the public. ○ Empowers patients to take more responsibility for their health. Chapter 9: Implications of Computing in the Workplace (CLO4): 1. Contingent Workers Definition: Temporary workers hired for specific tasks or projects. Includes: ○ Independent contractors. ○ Workers from employment agencies. ○ On-call/day laborers. ○ Contract firm employees working on-site. Benefits for Companies: ○ No need to pay benefits like healthcare. ○ Flexibility to adjust staffing levels based on demand. ○ No training costs as contingent workers often come trained. Challenges: ○ Lack of commitment from workers. ○ High turnover rate. ○ Ethical and legal concerns, such as ensuring fair treatment and compliance with labor laws. 2. Offshore Outsourcing Definition: Contracting work to organizations in foreign countries, usually for cost savings. Advantages: ○ Lower wages reduce costs (up to 70% savings on some projects). ○ Work continues around the clock due to time zone differences. Challenges: ○ Communication barriers due to distance. ○ Cultural misunderstandings. ○ Risk of customer data breaches. Prerequisites for Success: ○ Skilled staff. ○ Effective communication systems. ○ Strong project management. 3. Whistle-Blowing Definition: Exposing illegal, unethical, or dangerous activities within an organization to protect public interest. Steps in the Whistle-Blowing Process: 1. Assess the seriousness of the issue. 2. Document evidence. 3. Try resolving internally. 4. Escalate within the company if needed. 5. Evaluate the risks of going public. 6. Develop and execute an action plan. 7. Accept the consequences (which can be serious for both the individual and the company). Protections: Laws exist to protect whistle-blowers from retaliation. 4. Green Computing Definition: Practices that reduce the environmental impact of technology. Key Features of Green Products: ○ Use less electricity. ○ Contain fewer hazardous materials. ○ Include more recyclable or reusable materials. Programs and Tools: ○ EPEAT: Helps buyers choose environmentally friendly products based on 51 criteria. ○ RoHS Directive: Limits harmful materials in manufacturing. Safe Disposal: ○ State recycling programs. ○ Manufacturer take-back initiatives. 5. IT Industry Code of Conduct Overview: A voluntary set of standards for ICT companies to promote ethical and responsible practices. Developed by: Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC). Focus Areas: 1. Labor: Protect workers' human rights. 2. Health and Safety: Ensure safe working conditions. 3. Environment: Minimize environmental harm. 4. Management System: Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines. 5. Ethics: Uphold high standards of integrity and fairness.