Student Engagement & Responsible Computing at Indaba X South Africa

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Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Indaba X event hosted at Wits University, marking a significant milestone for our Responsible Computing Challenge (RCC) in South Africa. With our recently launched programming in the region, our goal was twofold: to increase RCC's visibility and to deeply engage with the student community. Both objectives were met with enthusiasm and curiosity.

A Thriving Hub of Innovation and Engagement

Indaba X showcased a diverse range of work, from cutting-edge research and industry developments to exciting start-ups emerging from South Africa. This vibrant environment provided a perfect backdrop for us to connect with students, industry professionals, and academics. The event proved to be a fertile ground for dialogue and exploration around the ethical dimensions of technology.

Connecting with Students: Key Takeaways

1. Amplifying the Mozilla Brand

The Mozilla presence at the event did not go unnoticed. Students, industry attendees, and academics were eager to learn more about Mozilla’s mission and its commitment to inclusion and equality in technology. The excitement was palpable, with many doing double-takes and asking, "Are you THE Mozilla?" Our branding—complete with pamphlets, stickers, and interactive content—played a crucial role in sparking these conversations. One enthusiastic student even exclaimed, “We use Firefox every day!”

2. Showcasing Mozilla’s Commitment to Ethical Tech

Our booth drew significant interest in Mozilla’s efforts towards ethical technology. Attendees wanted to understand how Mozilla is advocating for ethical practices within the tech sector, beyond curriculum development. Discussions often centred around projects like Common Voice, which were also highlighted by attendees as well as in a workshop presentation. The engagement underscored the importance of integrating ethical considerations into the technological landscape, as demonstrated by various innovative projects around us.

3. Creating Engaging Content

Interactive and thought-provoking content at our booth fostered vibrant discussions. The weather did not allow us to include all the activities planned but we persisted like champs. One notable interactive element was our poll on whether ethics should be prioritized in tech education. This poll not only sparked debate but also encouraged repeat visits from students who were keen to see how opinions evolved. The poll provided valuable insights into student sentiment and interest in ethics.

Ethics in Tech Education: What Students Had to Say

A recurring theme in conversations with students was the gap in ethics education within their courses. Many expressed a desire for ethics to be more deeply integrated into their studies rather than treated as a supplementary module. Undergraduate students particularly felt that ethics should be woven into their core curriculum, while post-graduate students, especially those in AI-related fields, reported having more exposure to these critical topics.

Students raised several points of debate, including the balance between innovation and ethics. Some argued that ethical considerations could potentially hinder innovation, while others believed that ethical frameworks could coexist with innovative practices. There was also significant discussion about the role of industry in promoting ethics in tech, with students questioning how employers value ethics training, how it influences workplace policies and whether it can be a factor for employment opportunities.

Encouraging Interdisciplinary Perspectives

The event also highlighted the value of interdisciplinary approaches to technology. Students from non-computer science backgrounds, such as social sciences, commerce and geography, engaged in meaningful discussions about the implications of technology in their fields. For instance, geography students discussed the potential of tech in climate change and early warning systems, demonstrating the broad impact of technology across disciplines. This spontaneous engagement highlighted the need to promote interdisciplinary thinking. It is crucial to encourage students from various academic backgrounds to consider the effects of technology in their specific fields. This approach aligns with RCC’s curriculum's focus on integrating technology with other disciplines. Interestingly, a computer science academic shared the challenges of finding students in South Africa in many emerging interdisciplinary fields, which impacts the absorption of graduates in funded positions. A thought-provoking discussion as the country is grappling with high youth unemployment.

Opportunities for Student Involvement

Students expressed keen interest in getting involved with RCC's broader community of practice. The QR codes available at our booth provided an easy way for them to sign up and explore these opportunities further.

Looking Ahead

The Indaba X event was a significant success and a milestone in advancing our mission to promote Responsible Computing in South Africa. The enthusiasm and engagement from students, coupled with the interest from industry and academia, signal a strong desire for deeper integration of ethics in technology education and practice. As we move forward, we are excited to build on these connections and continue fostering an environment where responsible computing can thrive.

We look forward to the next steps in our journey, including further collaborations, community building, and expanding our outreach efforts. Thank you to everyone who engaged with us and contributed to these important conversations.

Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and how you can get involved in promoting responsible computing in South Africa.