Social Computing

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/social-computing

Introduction

**Course Review: Social Computing on Coursera** In an era where technology and social interaction intertwine seamlessly, understanding the realm of social computing is essential for anyone looking to harness the power of online communities and collaboration. The Coursera course titled "Social Computing" dives deep into these dynamics, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the future of social interactions in a digital context. ### Overview The course is grounded in the idea that as social creatures, humans thrive on connection and collaboration. However, the modern internet, with its vast array of tools and platforms, presents unique challenges and opportunities for building online communities. This course serves as an essential introduction to those challenges, providing practical insights into how social computing can facilitate collaboration that transcends traditional face-to-face interactions. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Connecting People through Technology** The course kicks off with an exploration of social media, extending beyond well-known platforms like Facebook and Twitter. It examines the broader universe of social software and the critical roles technology plays in mediating social interactions. This module invites students to think critically about physical versus digital collaboration, encouraging a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with collaborative software. The insights garnered here form a strong foundation for the course, making it accessible even for those new to the subject. 2. **Challenges & Opportunities of Collaboration Online** As we become increasingly connected, this module tackles the misconception that being digitally present equates to being "there." It delves into the nuances of distance in online collaboration, emphasizing the importance of designing technologies that effectively bridge gaps. Students will learn to appreciate the complexity of remote interactions and the different ways we can create impactful experiences despite the physical separation. This segment is particularly insightful for those involved in remote work and global team management. 3. **Crowdsourcing** One of the most stimulating parts of the course is the exploration of crowdsourcing. The module dispels the skepticism surrounding crowdsourcing, demonstrating its potential and its limitations in solving complex problems. Through engaging assignments, students will not only learn strategies for leveraging crowdsourcing effectively but also gain firsthand experience of what it feels like to participate in a crowdsourced project. Hearing from experienced crowdworkers brings a practical perspective that enriches the learning experience. ### Recommendation The "Social Computing" course is highly recommended for professionals, educators, and anyone interested in fostering online communities. It offers a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it suitable for learners at various levels. With the shift toward remote work and digital collaboration, these insights become increasingly valuable in our interconnected world. If you're looking to enhance your skills in online collaboration, understand the mechanics behind social media, and explore innovative techniques for engaging communities, this course will serve as a comprehensive guide. Not only will you walk away with a deeper understanding of social computing, but also a toolkit of strategies tailored for success in the digital age. The future of collaboration is here, and "Social Computing" on Coursera is a crucial stepping stone to fully grasping its dimensions and possibilities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your understanding and professional reach by enrolling in this enlightening course!

Syllabus

Connecting People through Technology

When you think of social media, you might think of a popular social network, like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. These are indeed powerful, but the universe of social media is much larger. Both online and off, most everything we do has a social component that is mediated by some technology. After all, technologies have been helping people communicate since long before your favorite curly-haired CEO dropped out of college. In this module, you’ll learn about different types of social software, how to think about physical collaboration and digital collaboration using the same framework, and what the challenges to success for collaborative software are.

In our always-on, pervasively connected world, it can seem as if space and distance don’t matter anymore. Indeed, more and more organizations are outsourcing work around the globe and/or opening satellite locations. But being instantly reachable from anywhere in the world, isn’t the same as being there. In this module, you’ll learn the ways that distance does and doesn’t matter, how to design for this reality and how to create technologies that go beyond being there.

It can’t possibly work, can it? Slice up challenging problems into tiny pieces, distribute them to people all over the planet, and then gather their responses to piece together a solution. In this module, you’ll learn both the possibilities and limits of crowdsourcing. You’ll learn strategies for being able to use crowdsourcing successfully, and even hear from the voice of a professional crowdworker about what makes it successful from a worker’s perspective. To gain deeper intuitions, you’ll get to try it out yourself in the assignment.