Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 12

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define key social and ethical issues like the digital divide and data privacy.
• Explain the impact of these issues in South Africa.
• Analyse ethical dilemmas in IT scenarios.
• Identify strategies for responsible and ethical use of IT.
• Deconstruct and plan solutions for complex exam-type problems.

Lesson summary

This week, we delve into the crucial intersection of Information Technology, society, and ethics. As future IT professionals and engaged citizens in South Africa, it is paramount that you understand the profound social and ethical implications of the technologies you will be creating, using, and managing. We'll explore how IT can both empower and disadvantage individuals and communities, focusing on issues relevant to our South African context, such as the digital divide, accessibility for disabled persons, the spread of misinformation, and data privacy.

Furthermore, we will begin to develop skills needed to approach complex, integrated exam-type tasks.

Lesson notes

2. 1. Social and Ethical Issues in IT The Digital Divide: This refers to the gap between individuals and communities that have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) and those that have limited or no access. In South Africa, this divide is particularly pronounced due to historical inequalities, geographic challenges, and socioeconomic disparities. The divide manifests in access to internet connectivity, computers, smartphones, and digital literacy skills. This disparity limits opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, and participation in the digital economy.

Example:* Imagine a Grade 12 learner in a rural KwaZulu-Natal school who struggles to complete online assignments due to limited internet access and unreliable electricity. This illustrates how the digital divide can hinder educational progress and limit future opportunities. The government's efforts to provide computer labs and internet connectivity in schools are aimed at bridging this gap, but challenges remain regarding sustainability and effective utilization.

Data Privacy: This concerns the appropriate collection, use, and storage of personal data. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa aims to protect individuals from having their personal information misused or exploited.

Example:* A local municipality collects citizens' personal information (ID numbers, addresses, income details) for service delivery purposes. If this data is not securely stored and managed, it could be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access, leading to identity theft and other forms of harm. POPIA requires organizations to implement appropriate security measures and obtain consent from individuals before collecting and using their data.

Cybersecurity: This involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. As our reliance on technology increases, so does the risk of cyberattacks, including hacking, malware infections, and phishing scams.

Example:* A South African e-commerce website suffers a data breach, exposing the credit card details and personal information of thousands of customers. This not only damages the company's reputation but also puts the affected individuals at risk of financial fraud. Robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption, are essential for preventing such incidents.

Accessibility: This refers to designing and developing IT systems and applications that are usable by people with disabilities. This includes providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigability, and using sufficient color contrast.

Example:* A government website providing information about social grants is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals because it lacks proper screen reader compatibility. This effectively excludes a significant portion of the population from accessing vital information and services. Adhering to accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is crucial for ensuring that IT is inclusive and equitable.

Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of false or misleading information online, often deliberately intended to deceive or manipulate. This is a growing concern in South Africa, particularly during elections and public health crises.

Example:* During the COVID-19 pandemic, false claims about cures and preventative measures circulated widely on social media, leading to confusion and potentially harmful behavior. Critical thinking skills and media literacy are essential for discerning credible information from misinformation. 2.

2. Ethical Frameworks Utilitarianism: Focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being. An action is considered ethical if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Deontology: Emphasizes moral duties and rules. An action is ethical if it adheres to certain principles, regardless of the consequences.

Virtue Ethics: Focuses on character traits and virtues. An ethical person is one who possesses virtues such as honesty, integrity, and compassion. 2.

3. Exam-Type Integrated Tasks These tasks typically present a complex, real-world problem that requires you to apply your knowledge and skills from various areas of I

T. They often involve: Problem Definition: Clearly understanding and articulating the problem.

Analysis: Breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable parts.

Solution Design: Developing a feasible and effective solution.

Implementation: Putting the solution into practice (often simulated in the exam).

Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness and impact of the solution. 2.

4. The IDEAL Problem Solving Strategy Identify the problem: What is the core issue?

Define and represent the problem: What are the specifics? What data do you have?

Explore possible strategies: Brainstorm potential solutions.

Act on a strategy: Implement your chosen solution.