Introduction:

The intersection of technology and human rights has highlighted significant ethical challenges, especially regarding AI deployment, technology and labor practices. I aim to design an intervention that raises awareness of the aforementioned points. This will help students begin to understand how people are exploited in the global south, specifically Congo; for their resources. I will address how workers are harmed so the we can have our portable technologies. Additionally, I will look into strategies for managing dissent in educational settings to foster a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.

Intervention:

Technology should not perpetuate systems of oppression or Apartheid, therefore decolonising technology should be at the forefront of teaching in modern education systems. In order to identify human rights abuses and how rechargeable batteries that power our cameras, phones etc. are made, It must be clarified to the students what the supply chain is for our technology. I would consider hosting a Teach-In, which is a current strategy being utilised at the CSM Liberated Zone for Solidarity with Palestine.

The teach-in could involve

• Teaching students how to use digital tools and social media for activism. This includes creating blogs, podcasts, or social media pages focused on social justice issues.
• instil critical media literacy and teach students to critically analyse legacy and online media messages and understand the role of media in shaping public opinion and activism.
• Designing personas to simulate real-world scenarios in oppressive regimes. This helps students understand the complexities and strategies involved in activism.
• Giving students resources to nonprofit organisations to potentially collaborate with.

At times, dissent occurs in the classroom when tackling sensitive subjects dealing with oppression, but it must be managed constructively. I will look into the following:

• Encouraging open dialogue and respectful debate to foster critical thinking.
• Implementing conflict resolution strategies to address disagreements amicably.
• Create an inclusive classroom environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

Through this intervention, we can work towards a more just and equitable technological future.

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References:

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