Incorporating Green Computing into the Curriculum


Donna M. Schaeffer, Ph. D.
Associate Professor, School of Business Adminsistration
Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207
703.284.5718
donna.schaeffer@marymount.edu

Srinivasan Raghaven
Programmer Analyst
Marymount University, 2807 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 284-3828
sraghava@marymount.edu



Why is it important?

  • foster an environmental awareness and concern for the use of natural resources in today's students, since they are the decision-makers of the future

  • Interdisciplinary

  • Transactional Learning

  • Inquiry-Based

  • incorporates the triple bottom line including social responsibility, economic viability and environmental impact.



    (Source: National Institute of Health)


    (Source: NASA)



    We taught Green computing in the context of a freshmen seminar:

    At the conclusion of this course students will show growth in academic and personal development and level of community engagement:

    1. Academic Objectives

    a. Select a current problem or issue for inquiry;

    b. Identify necessary background or history;

    c. Develop a plan and goal for the inquiry;

    d. Apply critical thinking to selection and analysis of supporting sources;

    e. Demonstrate oral communication skills in presenting inquiry results.

    f. Communicate accurately, clearly, and coherently through written summary of a primary or secondary source.

    2. Personal Objectives

    a. Demonstrate personal development in adjusting to college life;

    b. Display growth in academic and personal responsibility;

    c. Identify university resources supporting academic and personal needs;

    d. Experience community engagement outside the classroom with faculty and peers

    e. Assess career interests and skills and use the results to reflect on personal career goals.



    Sample Class Activities:

    READ Green IT for DummiesThis is available as a PDF file. It is apx. 36 pages in length. Plan your time accordingly.

    LISTEN to Going Green with Computing This podcast is apx 18 minutes in length. Plan your time accordingly.

    The Basel Action Network (BAN) has qualified E-StewardsRecyclers that will not export your toxic electronic waste to developing countries. Find a recycler near your home or Marymount and WRITE a one page report about the recycler that includes information about where is it located, its hours of operation, the types of e-waste accepted, what happens to the e-waste and the company's values.



    Sample Assignments:



    Students collected data from Marymount University employees in various offices around campus

    At the end of the semester the class hosted an e-recycling event on campus. Students, staff, and members of the local community brought old monitors, keyboards, printers, and PCs to Lee Center. We filled a truck.

    CSR and Your Cell Phone