IB Digital Society 2.1 Change Questionbank

(d) The developers of the AI software used visualizations as part of the development process.

Explain one reason why visualizations would be used as part of the development process.

(e) Explain two problems the developers of the AI system could encounter when gathering the data that will be input into the AI system.

(f) To what extent should the decisions of judges be based on algorithms rather than their knowledge and experience?

The Influence of Moore’s Law on Technological Development

Moore’s Law has driven rapid advancements in technology by predicting that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years. This trend has influenced the affordability, size, and power of devices like smartphones and laptops, though some predict Moore’s Law may be slowing down.

Discuss the significance of Moore’s Law in shaping the development of personal computing devices, including potential consequences if the law’s trend no longer holds true.

In criminal justice, "black box" algorithms are increasingly used to make decisions about bail, parole, and sentencing. However, the lack of transparency and potential for bias raise serious ethical concerns about fairness and accountability.

Evaluate the challenges of implementing algorithmic transparency and accountability in criminal justice, particularly with “black box” algorithms.

Cameras in school

The principal at Flynn School has received requests from parents saying that they would like to monitor their children’s performance in school more closely. He is considering extending the school’s IT system by installing cameras linked to facial recognition software that can record student behaviour in lessons.

The facial recognition software can determine a student’s attention level and behaviour, such as identifying if they are listening, answering questions, talking with other students, or sleeping. The software uses machine learning to analyse each student’s behaviour and gives them a weekly score that is automatically emailed to their parents.

The principal claims that monitoring students’ behaviour more closely will improve the teaching and learning that takes place.

Discuss whether Flynn School should introduce a facial recognition system that uses machine learning to analyse each student’s behaviour and give them a score that is automatically emailed to their parents.

Can digital technologies be used sustainably?

Many organizations claim that the most efficient use of information technology (IT) equipment, such as laptops and printers, is to replace them on a regular basis. For example, an organization’s strategy may be to do this every three years.

Other organizations purchase IT equipment that can easily be upgraded by increasing the storage and memory or upgrading the processing capabilities only when required. They claim they do not need to replace their IT equipment on such a regular basis and believe this is a more sustainable practice.

Evaluate the sustainability of these two strategies.