ONLINE COMMUNITIES, E-LEARNING

This course examines the history, theories, methods and effects of computer-mediated communication, focusing especially on building and maintaining online communities. Examples of online communication investigated include email, mailing lists, bulletin boards, chat rooms, hacker exchanges, peer to peer networks and Temporary Autonomous Zones. Students will work with, within and for virtual web communities and virtual reality environments.

The class will look at the differences in the pattern language of real world and virtual world and examine the relationship between the traditional world and virtual communities. Participants of the course will explore and implement several methods and techniques that allow them to design and develop online communities focusing on usability and sociability.

Based on the sociology of online communities participants will develop methods, interfaces, tools and methods that follow a network concentric approach for E-Learning communities. Several projects will specifically focus on understanding, mediating and fostering of social interaction within these networks. Students will participate in a mixture of lectures, readings, discussions, experiments and projects.

• CLASS INFORMATION
  • Course Objectives
  • Appointments
  • Course Format
  • Prerequisites
    
• CLASS SCHEDULE

• MATERIAL
  
• REQUIREMENTS

After completing this course, students will have a basic understanding of media and communication and will be prepared for further studies in this field. Participants will know about the major schools of communication theory and will be able to apply these models to past and current changes in public sphere, society, perception and communication.

All students will also gain familiarity with the Internet and find additional, valuable reference and software materials online.

Students are encouraged to use office hours to discuss the assignments and/or course topics. Additional appointments and consultations can be scheduled with the Teaching Assistant.

The class will consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, online participation and in-class "critique" sessions. A small set of readings are required to prepare for class and discussion, and an additional reading list will be provided to help student research as they work on their assignments. Throughout the course, students will iteratively critique each other’s assignments, ideas, comments, and works. Eventually there will be guest lecturers.

Familiarity with the Internet