Existing Competencies in the Teaching of Ethics in Computer Science Faculties

Abstract

This report is one of the deliverables for the Ethics4EU project. It presents results obtained from a survey conducted in early 2020 that polled faculty from Computer Science and related disciplines on teaching practices in Computer Ethics in Computer Science across Europe. The survey was completed by respondents from 61 universities across 23 European countries. Participants were surveyed on whether or not Computer Ethics is taught to Computer Science students at each institution, the reasons why Computer Ethics is or is not taught, how Computer Ethics is taught (for example, as a standalone course or embedded within other courses), the background of staff who teach Computer Ethics and the scope of Computer Ethics curricula. Data was also gathered on teaching and learning methods used (theory, case studies, practical work) and how Computer Ethics is assessed. The results of the survey are a comprehensive insight into teaching practices for Computer Ethics in Computer Science and related disciplines and will inform the development of new curricula and learning resources for Digital Computer Ethics as part of the Computer Ethics4EU project.