The power of collaborative technologies

This generation of students is the first to use social computing tools in such pervasive ways. Networking sites like Facebook and MySpace build and connect friend groups across time and around the world. An endless array of web-based organizations connect Internet users with social causes and opportunities for action. Content for collaborative wikis, like Wikipedia, is provided and edited by anyone who has access to the Internet. Users of myriad sites like these share words, photos, actions, communities and ideas.

This course is designed for anyone who has an interest in learning about social computing and exploring how to creatively apply it to their world, passions and experiences. Social Computing introduces students to technology as a powerful tool for building and connecting communities, addressing social issues and affecting change.

Over the two-week session, students explore a variety of areas of Social Computing, framed in the context of a real-world project. As a group, the students brainstorm a concept and define the project purpose and scope. They then work through the steps integral to bringing their vision to life. They are introduced to the ideas of flow chart and site building, collaborative wiki, blog, social bookmarking, and mapping applications.

The course also addresses Internet safety and responsibility. Students discuss how to use networking tools in a safe way. They also discover the social responsibility that applies to providing content and soliciting feedback online. What does it truly mean to be a content provider on the Web? How does each person choose to design and control her own digital presence, to define her own ‘digital footprint’?

The course asks students to imagine innovative solutions to a local or global issue. The Internet is an amazing tool for reaching anyone, anywhere. Our Social Computing course challenges students to use Internet technology in unique and effective ways.