Societal Aspects of Information Technology (2026/27)

Course content

This course deals with the social impact of information technology. In particular, it focuses on the controversial debate between the pros and cons of technology.

Technology goes hand in hand with innovation and new opportunities for society, but it can also change society or have consequences that are difficult to predict. We now live in an age where digital technologies are increasingly permeating everyday life and changing it in the wake of digital transformation. Whether it's school, work, healthcare institutions, our leisure time – we are constantly experiencing changes, perhaps even accelerations, which mostly have a positive effect, but can also trigger profound changes.

In this course, we want to shed light on the impact of digital technologies on society by looking at historical examples that may show similarities. There are also thought-provoking ideas on current developments and, often, the question of where ethical or moral boundaries should, must and can lie.

We invite you to join us – to engage with controversial views, different interests and a constant change of perspective. Because one thing seems important to us: the ability to view every technology, no matter how innovative, both positively and critically. So that we don't lose one thing – the confidence that society will use these technologies to develop itself further. With this in mind, we encourage you to actively participate in the discussion.

Learning goals

The learning goal is to develop a critical attitude towards new innovative digital technologies. The advantages are usually offset by at least as many disadvantages. This assessment needs to be reinforced in order to act responsibly in tomorrow's society.

• You will be able to understand the impact of digital technologies on society
• You will be able to name the advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies for society
• You will be able to understand the connection between technology and society

Prerequisites

General openness towards digital technologies and general technical understanding

Course schedule

The course is held over the course of 8 weeks. At least two videos on different topics are available each week. There is also additional material and further reading. Each week concludes with a self-assessment.

The discussion forum offers the opportunity to reflect on, discuss or explore these topics in greater depth.

For actively participating in the course you will receive an automatic certificate which includes your name, the course name as well as the completed lessons. We want to point out that this certificate merely confirms that you answered at least 75% of the self-assessment questions correctly.

This work is licensed under Creative Commons - 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Additional content

ECTS credits

This MOOC is open to everyone and free of charge, but it is also part of the course ‘Social Aspects of Information Technology’ in the curriculum of the Bachelor's programmes for teacher education in secondary school, computer science, software engineering and management. To receive ECTS credits, you must be a student in the development network or at Graz University of Technology and register for this course. In addition to the MOOC, exercises are held in study groups. 

Link to the course in summer semester 2026 in TUGRAZonline