Computational Models of Discourse OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Online Graduate Level Course on Automatic Discourse Processing

Published Feb 07, 2009

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Learn about the application and integration of natural language with computer systems in this OpenCourseWare from MIT. 'Computational Models of Discourse' examines how organic, conversational language can be broken down so computers can understand it and how computers can be programmed to communicate with users in a similar way. This free online course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can help students seeking a degree in Computer and Information Science.

Computational Models of Discourse: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Computational Models of Discourse: Course Description

Many people find themselves wishing they could 'talk' to their computers the same way one would talk to another human being. Automatic discourse processing is a field of study that aims to give computers a way to understand natural language. This OpenCourseWare from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge serves as an introduction to this field. Professor Regina Barzilay leads a series of lectures explaining the process of breaking down language and programming computers to recognize important information within the spoken and written word. The computer software must be designed to interpret this data correctly and reliably despite changes in presentation or context. The course also looks at the methods by which computers can generate messages to the user that sound natural and are easily understood. This MIT class is recommended to Computer Science students who have a concentration in artificial intelligence.

Lecture notes and readings are provided free online. If you'd like to converse with your computer, visit the automatic discourse processing course page.

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