1. Importance of Organizations for Computer Professionals
M.M. Pickard, PhD

2. Continuing Education
Why?

3. Continuing Education Why?
Computing technology changes “at the speed of light.”

4. Continuing Education Why?
Computing technology changes “at the speed of light.”
The computing industry is in a continuous state of flux.

5. Continuing Education Why?
Computing technology changes “at the speed of light.”
The computing industry is in a continuous state of flux.
Personal development.

6. Continuing Education How?
Through membership in a professional organization.
Through publications.
Trade
Professional organization

7. Ethics Professional organizations typically promote a code of ethics.
Members are expected to adhere to the code

8. What does ethics have to do with computing?
Ethics: “The rules or standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession.”
[The American Heritage Dictionary, 1983]
Computing is a profession whose practitioners can cause great harm.

9. Organizations of Computing Professionals That Have Ethical Codes
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society
British Computer Society (BCS)
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)
Independent Computer Consultants Association (ICCA)

10. Links to Organizations of Computing Professionals That Have Ethical Codes (11/28/06)
AITP
ICCP
ACM
IEEE
CIPS
ICCA

11. Common Themes of Computer Society Ethics Codes
Dignity and worth of other people
Personal integrity and honesty
Responsibility for work
Confidentiality of information
Public safety, health, and welfare
Participation in professional societies to improve the profession
Knowledge and access to technology = social power