Ensuring Global Perspectives within Reading Lists to Increase Students’ Engagement

University College London attracts students worldwide and provides students with the latest research opportunities to meet global challenges. The Department of Computer Science within the university has won recognition for its diversity and inclusion initiatives. During 2022 a series of AI ethics lectures were developed for the software engineering professional practice module to help students prepare for their research projects. Teaching was through the viewpoints of power imbalances relating to AI and green technologies, including resource extraction. The AI ethics series was designed as online flipped lectures. Students were encouraged to read research papers beforehand, which were subsequently discussed during the online lecture. Qualitative data analysis of the reading list provided insight to optimize content and reduce cognitive load. During 2022/23, students completed redesigned questionnaires to help the lecturer understand their knowledge of the topics and interests. Students outlined their interests in leading-edge AI concepts and how AI can reduce energy consumption and protect the environment and biodiversity. Analysis of questionnaires and discussions indicates students’ increased engagement in sustainability related topics. When perspectives from different regions of the world, reflecting the class’s global community, were introduced to the reading list, students were more engaged with the module.