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Designing Sociable Media OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Graduate Level Course on the Study of Online Social Interaction

Published Jan 07, 2009

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Virtual communities come under a sociological microscope in 'Designing Sociable Media,' a free graduate-level OpenCourseWare from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Students explore the impact that the design of an online group has on the resulting discourse, and they consider how electronic communications differ from face-to-face interactions. From MIT's graduate program in Media Arts and Sciences, this OpenCourseWare is geared toward students with backgrounds in engineering, science, art or education.

Designing Sociable Media (MAS.961): Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
No Yes No

Designing Sociable Media (MAS.961): Course Details

Technology mediates human interactions, providing more ways to communicate with more people than ever before through text messages, online video conferencing, Internet-based groups and social gaming. As these social media alter our interactions, care must be taken in their design. Taught by MIT professor Judith Donath, 'Designing Sociable Media' provides a theoretical and practical foundation for creating a better wired society. The seminar is divided into three thematic sections: Conversations, Identity and Context. In the Conversations section, students explore the dynamics of communicating on online bulletin boards (BBS) and discussion groups, including nonverbal communication in an all-text electronic format and growth patterns unique to virtual societies. The Identity section delves into the construction of avatars and alternate identities in virtual societies. The Context section explores how technology mediates communication in everyday life. Students read extensive academic writings and analyze real-world examples of sociable media. The course culminates in students designing an interface for virtual, mediated communication, mindful of the pitfalls and unique opportunities presented throughout the course.

This OpenCourseWare includes readings and assignments available online or for download. If you are interested in taking this class, visit the social media design course web page.

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