Voices in the Code - A Story About People, Their Values, and the Algorithm They Made

This course explores the story of how a diverse group of stakeholders collaborated to build a life-and-death algorithm in an inclusive and accountable manner. The learning outcomes include understanding the process of building a new transplant matching algorithm, exploring the concepts of public participation, transparency, forecasting, and algorithmic audits, and reflecting on the promise and limits of technology in a democratic and accountable way. The course teaches skills such as analyzing the math behind medical algorithms, evaluating the social determinants of health, and engaging in deliberative decision-making processes. The teaching method involves storytelling, case studies, and discussions. The intended audience includes policymakers, scholars, data scientists, public officials, advocates, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and society.