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IT Ethics: Professionalism and Ethics in Computing

Understand the importance of ethics in computing, and build the skills you need to identify and solve ethical problems.

10,142 enrolled on this course

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IT Ethics: Professionalism and Ethics in Computing

10,142 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn why ethics matters for computing professionals

With the rise of artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning, ethics has come to the forefront of the conversation in IT and computer science.

On this three-week course from Charles Sturt University, you’ll learn why ethics is so crucial for computing professionals. You’ll explore the history of ethics in IT, and begin building the skills you need to make ethical decisions.

Examine the role and importance of ethics in computing

The course will start with an overview of ethics as it relates to computing. You’ll learn what ethics means, what the main ethical theories are, and how these relate to the IT industry.

Next you’ll consider some real-world case studies of ethical problems in computing. From information security to the damaging impacts of software or hardware, you’ll understand the wider impact IT systems have on society.

Develop strategies for ethical analysis and ethical decision making

After you’ve looked at some examples of common ethical problems in IT, you can begin building the skills you need to tackle these. You’ll discuss approaches to ethical analysis and problem-solving, focusing on the Doing Ethics Technique and computing codes of conduct.

By the end of the course, you’ll have an understanding of a major new field within IT and related industries, as well as the expertise you need to mitigate ethical risks.

What topics will you cover?

  • Week 1: Ethics in computing
  • Week 2: Professionalism in computing
  • Week 3: Ethical analysis

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Apply an ethical theory to a moral dilemma involving a computing professional.
  • Identify ethical problems and assess their implications from the perspective of the Australian Computer Society Code of Professional Conduct.
  • Evaluate solutions to ethical problems and make a recommendation for the best course of action.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about ethical risks and ethical problem-solving within the IT industry.

It will be particularly useful for IT professionals working in any industry, as well as undergraduate or postgraduate students of computing.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching – you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

  • Established

    1989
  • Location

    New South Wales, Australia

Ways to learn

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 18 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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