Become an advocate for anti-racism in technology

Technologies have become inseparable from our daily lives and we are more reliant on them than ever before. But technologies have been designed within a predominantly white technology sector, and many of them reinforce racism.

On this course, you’ll delve into the history of racism within technology development and the different ways you can combat it in the future and bring about more inclusive technology.

Investigate how technology can discriminate

The impacts that racism in technology can have on Black people and people of colour is extremely troubling. From facial recognition to healthcare and criminal justice algorithms, racial bias in technology affects many areas of life with sometimes devastating consequences.

You’ll look into how technologies can reinforce racism and the impact this can have on Black people and people of colour, which will help you towards becoming a thoughtful advocate for anti-racism.

Compare and justify different anti-racist technologies

There are many examples of anti-racist technologies so it’s important to contrast the pros and cons of each. You’ll compare different types of these technologies and discuss why there’s such a need for anti-racist and inclusive technology.

Learn how to implement anti-racist approaches in your own work

To design anti-racist technologies, anti-racism needs to be considered at every stage of development so that technologies promote rather than hamper equality in society.

You’ll develop anti-racist tools and techniques that can be applied in your own context, from recruitment and user research through to implementation, testing, and marketing. These techniques help you in any industry and role you work in, but especially within diversity and inclusion, and technology development.

What topics will you cover?

Histories of racism within technology development
How technologies can discriminate on the grounds of race, and the impacts this can have on Black people and people of colour
The need for anti-racism in the technology sector
Anti-racist design, marketing and communication
Anti-racist approaches to the product development lifecycle, from recruitment and user research through to implementation, testing and launch

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Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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...

Identify forms of racism within technology
Discuss the impacts of racism in technology
Explore examples of anti-racism in technology
Investigate how to tackle racism through the technology development process
Assess anti-racist approaches to data, design and marketing
Reflect on how you will apply what you’ve learned to your own context

Who is the course for?

This course has been designed for anyone interested in creating or advocating for anti-racism in technology development. It will be of particular interest if you’re considering a career or already work in the technology sector.

You may also find this course appealing if you’re a student in a technology-based degree such as Computer Science or Design, and you’re looking to complement your technical and subject knowledge.

Who will you learn with?

Charlene Hunter

Charlene is the founder and CEO of Coding Black Females, a non profit organisation to inspire, provide opportunities, and showcase the talents of black women in tech.

Who developed the course?

UAL Creative Computing Institute

The UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI) offers innovative new courses, research opportunities and a public platform to explore computer science and creative practice.

Coding Black Females

Coding Black Females is the largest network of black female developers in the UK. Our mission is to grow the community of black women in software development and technical roles, from entry to executive level. We are actively removing the barriers to enter the industry and progress within roles.

About this ExpertTrack

Learn how to create and advocate for gender inclusion, anti-racism, and diverse innovation in technology development.

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