Introduction
The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ — Grace Hopper
My name is Devan, and I teach computer science at Northern Essex Community College. Over the years, I’ve seen the financial strain textbooks place on students, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. This inequity motivated me to create Culturally Responsive Computing, a free and accessible textbook from the ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project initiative.
ROTEL’s mission aligns with my core belief: education should be accessible and empowering for all students, regardless of their background or financial situation. The initiative champions textbook affordability, student success, inclusion, and equity, actively dismantling barriers and opening doors to opportunity, particularly for minoritized students. This textbook embodies these goals. It guides students in exploring the intricate connections between computing and the diverse cultures of our world.
Traditional computer science textbooks often limit their focus to technical aspects. Culturally Responsive Computing takes a wider view. It moves past algorithms and code to explore the social, ethical, and cultural dimensions of technology. Students are encouraged to think critically, examining how computing influences and is influenced by the diverse communities that use it.
Take data representation, for instance. It’s a foundational concept, but conventional texts rarely consider its cultural implications. This textbook directly addresses those implications. It shows how cultural biases can creep into seemingly neutral data, impacting facial recognition algorithms, financial loan approvals, and much more. Case studies from across the globe illuminate the real-world challenges and opportunities of applying computing in diverse cultural settings, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy among students.
Culturally Responsive Computing also connects directly with students’ lived experiences. It tackles the impact of social media on cultural norms, the growth of mobile banking in developing countries, and the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare. By grounding these discussions in relevant contexts, the textbook brings the impact of technology to life, encouraging students to analyze its role in their own lives.
Accessibility is a priority. The book is designed for all learners, with clear language, concise explanations, and visuals that support diverse learning styles and abilities. Alternative formats and assistive technology features, like screen reader compatibility, further remove barriers, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
Importantly, Culturally Responsive Computing is not a static, definitive text. It’s an open, evolving resource that welcomes contributions, critiques, and adaptations from educators and students. This collaborative approach mirrors the dynamism of technology and the many voices shaping its future.
A note of transparency: I come from a white, middle-class background. This inevitably shapes my perspective and the content of this book. My views may not perfectly align with your lived experiences. That’s precisely why this textbook is a living document, open to challenge and change. It aspires to authentically reflect the global community it serves.
Through this open and inclusive approach, Culturally Responsive Computing empowers students to become skilled programmers and culturally competent and socially responsible citizens in the digital world. It equips them to analyze technology’s impact on their communities and to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future. Embracing ROTEL’s core values, this textbook strives to make learning a transformative experience for every student, helping them harness the power of technology for positive change in our increasingly interconnected world. I invite you to join this journey, to contribute your perspective, and to shape the future of computing together.
