Designing for Good: Ethical Issues in Emerging Technologies
Program Description:
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, social media, mobile apps, VR, robotics, games, and interactive media, how can we design technologies that promote justice—not just engagement? Designing for Good: Ethical Issues in Emerging Technologies is a fast-paced, thought-provoking course for educators, designers, and changemakers who want to create technologies that serve people—not exploit them.
New technologies are transforming how we learn, communicate, and interact—but they also raise urgent ethical questions. How do we design with integrity in the face of disinformation, addictive UX, biased algorithms, and exclusionary systems?
This intensive course gives you the tools to critically evaluate the social, psychological, and ethical impacts of emerging technologies. You’ll learn to identify manipulative design patterns, explore frameworks like value-sensitive design, and gain practical strategies for building digital systems that are just, inclusive, and humane.
Dates & Registration
This course is offered on a for-credit basis only.
Dates: January 2 - 19, 2026
Times:
Live Zoom sessions held from 7:30pm - 10:30pm ET, on the following dates:
- Friday, January 2, 2026
- Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Monday, January 5, 2026
Students will work on their project between January 6th - 19th and submit final deliverables on January 20th.
Format: Online with Live Zoom Sessions (See dates and times above)
Registration:
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies for 3 credits. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on December 1st. Winter session courses will follow spring registration and payment deadlines.
Please Note: This course is offered on a for-credit basis only.
For more information, questions, or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
Faculty
Joey J. Lee
Director of Games Research Lab, Coordinator of MA Program in Design and Development of Digital Games Co-Coordinator of MA Program in Communication and Education
Dr. Joey J. Lee has taught graduate-level courses on game design for social impact and ethical issues in technology design for over fifteen years. He directs the Games Research Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University and is the coordinator of the Design and Development of Digital Games and Communication and Education MA programs.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Ethical Analysis & Frameworks
- Apply key ethical theories to real-world design scenarios
- Use Value-Sensitive Design to assess value conflicts in tech products
Critical Evaluation of Technology
- Evaluate the social, psychological, and ethical impacts of tools like AI, VR, and social media
- Identify manipulative and unethical design patterns (e.g., dark UX, biased algorithms)
Justice, Equity, and Representation
- Reflect on representation, accessibility, and the digital divide
- Assess the impact of design decisions on marginalized users
Applied Design & Reflection
- Design or redesign a product using ethical principles
- Engage in peer feedback and reflective discussions
- Synthesize insights in a final written project and personal ethical stance
Who Should Attend
Alumni, educators, and designers interested in ethical issues in emerging technologies.
This for-credit course is only available to TC students or Non-Degree students for 3 credits.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that showcase your commitment to professional growth and can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
