Catalog description:

Introduces students to diversity issues related to disease and disability, and medical computer systems. Students develop a service project and a computer-based tool meant to improve management of some chronic disease or disability.

Prerequisites: Senior standing

Course Objectives and Outcomes:

• Thinking critically
  • The student will examine how diversity issues, such as race, class, education, age, and economic status affect the “usability” of a technological tool, an evaluate the likelihood of the tool being adopted by a particular group.
  • The student will critique currently available tools for disease management, looking specifically for instances of bias or unreasonable assumptions.
• Understanding contexts
  • The student will experience life as a person with a disability or chronic disease, and analyze their experience for issues of diversity, and the role of technology in managing the disease or disability.
  • The student will describe and evaluate public policies and issues of class and race related to the management of disease.
• Engaging with other learners
  • The student will work in small interdisciplinary groups that incorporate members from many diverse majors.
  • The student will present work to the class, and participate in critical analysis of student presentations.
• Reflecting and acting
  • Students will design and participate in a service learning project, intended to improve the lives of those with chronic disease or disability, which demonstrates knowledge of diversity issues relating to disease and disability.
  • Students will design and build a technological tool to aid management of disease or disability, which demonstrates awareness of the needs and concerns of the user.
• Technology development process
  • Given an open-ended problem, the student will be able to negotiate project requirements, playing the role of either developer or customer.
  • The student will be able to document the result of the design process using a project proposal, status reports, and a final project report.
• Project management
  • The student will demonstrate the ability to manage both time and budget in a large project.
  • The student will identify ethical implications/considerations of the project using abuse case scenarios.
• Work in teams
  • Demonstrate the ability to function in a team environment, and appreciation for the contributions of individuals from different disciplines
  • Demonstrate knowledge of various roles in a team, and document and evaluate teamwork processes used
  • Demonstrate leadership in team activities
    
    

Syllabus:

• Weeks 1-3: Proposal phase. Research topic disease, draft project proposal.
• Weeks 4-6: Prototype phase. Prototype built, service project developed.
• Weeks 7-15: Project phase. Final project specification written, final project implemented. Service project implemented. Promotional campaign designed and implemented.