What is Mozilla Responsible Computing Challenge (RCC)

The Mozilla Responsible Computing Challenge (RCC) is an initiative designed to transform computing education by embedding ethics, social responsibility, and societal impact into teaching and practice. Targeting students, educators, and academic institutions, it supports innovative projects, curriculum development, and workshops that address key areas like ethical AI, data privacy, digital inclusion, and sustainability. Through grants and resources, RCC fosters interdisciplinary approaches to create responsible technology solutions that prioritize equity, privacy, and the greater public good.

Learn more about the Mozilla Responsible Computing Challenge on the official Mozilla website.

Equitable Digital Access

Digital accessibility ensures that digital technologies, platforms, and content are designed to be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. It encompasses creating websites, apps, and digital tools that accommodate diverse needs, such as screen readers for the visually impaired, captioning for the hearing impaired, and keyboard navigation for individuals with motor challenges. By adhering to principles like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), digital accessibility fosters inclusion, reduces barriers, and empowers individuals to engage fully in education, work, social interaction, and services. Prioritizing accessibility is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but also a key step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable digital environment for all users.

Marian and Mozilla

Marian College Kuttikkanam Autonomous (MCKA), established in 1995, is a leading educational institution in Kerala's Western Ghats, focused on uplifting marginalized communities through quality, technology-integrated education. With an A++ NAAC grade and international collaborations, the college excels in academic innovation, mentoring, and holistic student development, solidifying its position as a transformative force in higher education.

Marian College is one of the nine grantees of the Mozilla RCC India cohort, aiming to incorporate ethics into computing education. This initiative encourages undergraduate computer applications students to build accessible and inclusive tech ecosystems. Its project, "Equitable Digital Access," focuses on addressing the digital divide by redesigning curricula to foster inclusivity and accessibility in technology. This initiative aligns with national policies and sustainable goals, equipping students with ethical skills for responsible computing.

About the Project

Marian College Kuttikanam Autonomous in association with Mozilla Responsible Computing Challenge,a project called Equitable Digital Access is an initiative aimed at fostering responsible technology which primarily addresses digital accessibility and inclusiveness for Persons with disabilities. It focuses on integrating ethics into computer science curricula, encouraging students to consider the broader social and political implications of computing. The project will initiate a collaborative effort to develop a comprehensive curriculum for a certificate program in Equitable Digital Access targeted at undergraduate computer science students and which also will be available as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), expanding its reach to a global audience and enabling learners worldwide to engage with the principles of inclusive digital system. This project holds the purpose of fostering universal access to the digital realm, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.

As stated by the World Health Organization,”Disability is a part of the human condition, and almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point of life.” (WHO 2021, Disability and Health) This reality underscores the importance of creating digital spaces that accommodate diverse abilities. A certificate program in Equitable Digital Access can empower individuals and organizations to proactively address these challenges and foster an inclusive online environment for all.

Concept Description

The certificate program in Equitable digital access for people with disabilities is a transformative program aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the digital landscape. People with disabilities often encounter problems when they access digital platforms, limiting their opportunities for participation in education, employment social and community activities.

The technology industry still lacks inclusion and diversities with underrepresentation of people with disabilities, women and minorities. By incorporating this certificate program in Equitable digital accessibility for people with disabilities we envision our students to be prepared to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

This program seeks to promote more awareness, empathy and sensitivity toward people with disabilities and advocate for inclusive policies for making the digital world more accessible.

These deliverables aim to cultivate a culture of innovation, learning, and community engagement.