Dr. Elizabeth A. Buchanan, Director, Center for Applied Ethics and IRB Leadership Director, Research Services, University of Wisconsin-Stout gave a distinguished lecture at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on 13th February 2014at the Sir C V Raman Auditorium. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ramakrishna Ramaswamy presided over the lecture which was webcast live on the National Knowledge Network site http://desktopvcreplay.nic.in/
In lecture titled Computer Ethics Pedagogy: Preparing Future Professionals for the Ethical Complexities of a Globally Connected World, Dr. Buchanan explored the current ethical complexities facing computer and information science professionals. She stated that computer and information professionals are operating in an increasingly global and interdisciplinary workplace. Traditional computer ethics issues, such as privacy, ownership, and accuracy, are expanded in today’s technologically-mediated realms, from advances in grid, cloud, crowd-and geolocationally dispersed computing, she added.
Dr. Buchanan gave an example of a project funded through the US National Science Foundation, in which disparate computer science programs were explored to ascertain the types of ethics preparations students are receiving, and how well prepared instructors are to engage in ethics education. In her conclusion, Dr. Buchanan gave recommendations for ethics education in the computer and information sciences which include engaging collaborative Global Work; Encourage understanding of Global Cultural difference and Integrating ethical discussion on technical content like open source, terms & conditions etc.
Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan received her PhD (Ethics and Information Transfer) from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prof Buchanan is presently Endowed Chair and Director, Centre for Applied Ethics, University of Wisconsin-Stout. Prior to that, she has been associated with Upper Austria University of Applied Science, University of Oxford and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has made significant contribution to the discipline of Internet Research Ethics and Information Ethics. She has keen interest in understanding and preparing future computer professionals for the ethical complexities of a diverse world. She is Co-Director, International Society of Ethics and Information Technology; Chair, Association of Internet Researchers Ethics Working Group; Advisory Board Member, National Professional and Research Ethics Centre, University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign.