Towards Developing a Software Ethics Assessment Tool at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

Abstract

This paper introduces the Software Ethics Assessment Tool (SEAT), a pioneering tool designed to embed responsible computing principles within software development education. Created at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, SEAT provides a structured framework to evaluate and improve ethical standards in student software projects. The tool assesses critical metrics, such as privacy, transparency, and fairness, enabling developers to identify and address ethical concerns proactively. Initial testing within the university's computer science curriculum demonstrated SEAT's effectiveness in increasing ethical awareness and compliance among students. This paper details the tool's development, educational integration, and potential scalability for broader industry application.