Smart Tech for Community Needs: A Design Challenge
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we responsibly design and implement smart technology solutions to address the diverse needs of our community and contribute to its overall well-being?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can technology address the needs of our community?
- What makes a community thrive, and how can technology contribute?
- What are the ethical considerations when implementing technology-based solutions in our community?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and describe community needs that can be addressed with technology.
- Students will be able to brainstorm and sketch initial smart tech solutions to community problems.
- Students will be able to analyze the ethical considerations related to smart technology solutions.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe "Unsmart" City
Students are presented with images and videos of everyday situations made absurd by the introduction of unnecessary or poorly designed smart technology. Groups then compete to identify the most ridiculous example and redesign it with a focus on genuine need and ethical considerations.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Ethical Considerations Analyzer
Students analyze the ethical considerations related to their proposed smart technology solutions. This activity introduces them to the importance of responsible design and helps them consider the potential impacts of technology on individuals and the community.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA chart or diagram outlining the ethical considerations of a chosen smart tech solution, along with a reflection on design modifications for responsible implementation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to analyze the ethical considerations related to smart technology solutions.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEthical Considerations Analyzer Rubric
Ethical Analysis
Demonstrates understanding of ethical implications related to the smart tech solution.Identification of Ethical Issues
Ability to identify and describe relevant ethical issues such as privacy, fairness, accessibility, and potential biases.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly identifies and describes multiple relevant ethical issues with insightful explanations and examples.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and describes several relevant ethical issues with clear explanations.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some ethical issues but provides limited explanations or relevance.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify relevant ethical issues; descriptions are minimal or unclear.
Analysis of Benefits and Drawbacks
Ability to analyze and outline the potential benefits and drawbacks of the smart tech solution, focusing on ethical considerations.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and balanced analysis of benefits and drawbacks, deeply exploring ethical considerations with insightful connections.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear analysis of benefits and drawbacks, addressing ethical considerations effectively.
Developing
2 PointsLists some benefits and drawbacks, but the analysis of ethical considerations is superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsLists minimal benefits and drawbacks with little to no analysis of ethical considerations.
Responsible Implementation
Demonstrates understanding of how to modify the design to mitigate potential negative ethical impacts.Design Modification Reflection
Quality of reflection on how to modify the design to mitigate potential negative ethical impacts and ensure responsible implementation.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a thoughtful and detailed reflection with innovative design modifications that effectively mitigate potential negative ethical impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and practical reflection with design modifications that address potential negative ethical impacts.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic reflection with some design modifications, but the connection to ethical impacts is not always clear.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a minimal reflection with few or no design modifications, lacking consideration of ethical impacts.
Clarity and Organization
The chart or diagram is clear, well-organized, and effectively presents the ethical considerations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe chart or diagram is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and visually appealing, effectively presenting complex ethical considerations in an accessible manner.
Proficient
3 PointsThe chart or diagram is clear, well-organized, and effectively presents the ethical considerations.
Developing
2 PointsThe chart or diagram is somewhat organized, but clarity is lacking, making it difficult to understand the ethical considerations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe chart or diagram is disorganized and unclear, failing to effectively present the ethical considerations.