Course Overview

Technology has the power to connect people, quickly and widely distribute information, reduce waste and inefficiencies, and create accountably and transparency.  This course will explore how governments, institutions, and engaged citizens can leverage the power of data and technology towards the public interest.  This is not a course that teaches technical skills, rather a course that builds awareness, knowledge, and expertise in how technology works and how it can change the way governments and people operate in concert to make an impact in our communities.

Course Objectives

In this course, students will learn:

• Technology and design methods may be applied to support policy development and actions
• Technologists should consider social, ethical, and legal implications when developing new tools and products
• Policy has been and might be developed in response to new technologies