Information and Communication Technologies in Community Development OpenCourseWare: A Free Graduate Level Information Technology Course by MIT
Learn about the development of community information infrastructure with this free OpenCourseWare class from MIT. 'Information and Communication Technologies in Community Development' uses real examples that are being put into action in the town of Lawrence, Massachusetts, to demonstrate concepts in modern community building and planning. This course can serve as a good reference for students pursuing community planning or urban studies degrees.
Information and Communication Technologies in Community Development: Course Specifics
| Degree Level | Free | Audio | Video | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Lectures/Notes | Study Materials | Tests/Quizzes |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | No |
Information and Communication Technologies in Community Development: Course Description
Building lasting and prosperous communities requires an in-depth understanding of the needs and motivations of the people who inhabit them. This free OpenCourseWare from MIT in Cambridge focuses on the town of Lawrence, Massachusetts, as an example of the issues that face communities across the country. Professors Lorlene Hoyt and Langley Keyes led students in learning about disadvantaged demographics in Lawrence and efforts to help these groups build assets. Homeownership in particular is looked at as a goal in asset-building, with a study on methods to make affordable housing available to lower income families. Students learn about the benefits of 'Individual Development Accounts', a program that is designed to help low-income residents save for assets like housing and education and in turn reduce wealth inequality. This online course can be beneficial to students working towards a Master of Community Development degree.
Lecture notes, a list of readings, sample assignments, thesis papers and final projects from past students are all available free online. If you'd like to learn more about this course, visit the technology in community development course page.