Readings

The readings for Tuesday, March 29 are:

Network Neutrality

  1. FCC Releases Open Internet Order

  2. EFF - Net Neutrality

  3. Net Neutrality Is A Bad Idea Supported By Poor Analogies

  4. Facebook's Free Basics plan: India academics see 'deep flaws'

H1-B / Outsourcing

  1. America's Mixed Feelings About Immigrant Labor: Disney-Layoffs Edition

  2. The Frenzy About High-Tech Talent

  3. Large Companies Game H-1B Visa Program, Costing the U.S. Jobs

  4. Fury rises at Disney over use of foreign workers

Questions

Please write a response to one of the following questions:

  1. From the readings, what exactly is Net Neutrality? Explain in your own words the arguments for and against Net Neutrality. After examining the topic, where do you stand on the issues surrounding Net Neutrality?

    • If you are in favor of Net Neutrality, explain how you would implement or enforce it. How would you respond to concerns about possible over-regulation, burdening corporations, or preventing innovation?

    • If you are against Net Neutrality, explain why it is unnecessary or undesirable. How would you respond to concerns about providing level playing fields or preventing unfair discrimination by service provides?

    • In either case, discuss whether or not you consider that "the Internet is a public service and fair access should be a basic right".

  2. From the readings, what is the controversy surrounding the H1-B Visa program? What are the arguments for and against the expansion of the program? After examining the topic, where do you stand on the issues surrounding the program?

    • If you are in favor of expanding the use of H1-B Visa guest workers, explain why it is beneficial for the United States. How would you respond to concerns about lowering of wages or loss of jobs for US citizens?

    • If you are agains the use of H1-B Visa guest workers, explain why it is is not necessary or potentially harmful to the United States. How would you respond to the idea that America is a nation of immigrants and that these guest workers are an effective means of tackling the problem of a tech talent shortage?

    • In either case, discuss whether or not you are concerned with competition due to foreign workers or possibly outsourcing. If you are non-US citizen, discuss how these issues impact you and your future plans as it relates to residency and employment in America.

Feedback

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the course, please provide your feedback at the end of your response.