ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the history of computing, computers and contemporary society, computing and the future, why context is important, whether computing is a force for good or bad. It explains suitable contexts for studying computing and society, the interconnecting themes between these contexts and teaches accordingly, an appropriate framework for analysing the future of computing that can be applied in a classroom context. Whilst the teaching of 'what' and 'how' is a primary concern of those training to teach Computing, it is equally crucial to ask about the implications of the use of this technology. The overall effect has been referred to as 'digital poverty', and the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization (UNESCO) regards it as a pernicious issue that needs addressing. There are attempts to deal with the imbalance through initiatives such as one laptop per child (OLPC), but it is important in your teaching to point out that infrastructure is as significant as devices themselves.
