Avoiding Techno-Bias in Education

Universities play a crucial role in shaping future leaders, including ensuring that students graduate with strong IT skills. But technology is not immune to the challenges posed by bias and inequality. Awareness of techno-bias is critical for ensuring that teaching with tech doesn’t place an undue burden on marginalized groups.

What Is Techno-Bias?

Techno-bias refers to inherent biases that are unwittingly encoded into technological systems or how they are used. This bias can take numerous forms, such as using data collected from exclusionary practices or lack of access to tech resources. 

Techno-Bias Challenges in Education

Pitt uses many technology tools for assignments, assessments, grading, collaboration, and other purposes. However, these tools may inadvertently favor certain groups over others, leading to disparities in educational experiences and academic outcomes. It is important to be aware of the following forms of techno-bias.

• Assuming all students are tech-savvy
• Assuming students have easy access to Wi-Fi and a modern laptop
• Creating digital content that is accessible to disabled students
• Using automated grading systems

By prioritizing inclusivity, providing alternatives, challenging assumptions, and regularly assessing technology tools, instructors play an important role in ensuring a more equitable learning environment for all students.

New Year's Tech Resolutions That Are Actually Fun to Keep

It's not too late to make a resolution for 2024. While many people have already abandoned the difficult, life-changing resolutions they made as the ball dropped, there are some resolutions that are actually pretty fun and easy to keep. Here are a few to consider:

1. Expand Your Entertainment Tastes: Move beyond the Spotify and Netflix algorithms and discover new music and movies you'll love.

2. Explore AI: There are many ethical and handy ways to use AI, such as getting simple explanations, finding good wording suggestions, or modifying your own images.

3. Learn Basic Photo Editing: If you have tons of almost great pics, learn some basic editing tips to make them pics you'll want to keep forever.

4. Find a Little Zen: Tech can keep you up too late or distract you from important people in your life, but it can also be a tool for relaxation and connection.

5. Ease Your Password Headaches: While managing your passwords isn't exactly fun, it can prevent the frustrations that get in the way of having fun. 

See our tips and tricks for achieving these fun tech resolutions.

New Semester, New Phishing Scams

Students weren't the only ones eagerly awaiting your return to campus for the spring term. Scammers were also eager to flood your email with offers that are just too good to be true. Some recent examples include an offer to get free stuff from an estate, a great job opportunity, and a fake incident notification. Look for phishing warning signs before you click and forward scam emails as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu.

LinkedIn Learning's Newest Offerings

As a working adult, your time for personal growth and development can be limited. Fortunately, with LinkedIn Learning, you can grow your skills and pursue your interests in under two hours. Here are some of LinkedIn Learning's newest classes:

• How to Learn Faster

• Rise and Shine: Build a Powerful Morning Routine

• Five Fails a Day with Caroline A. Wanga

• Communication Foundation

• AutoCAD: Tips & Tricks

• Digital Marketing Trends