The course, "Introduction to Social Computing" offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between technology and society, equipping learners with essential skills in social media analytics and influence. By covering a range of topics from data pre-processing to feature extraction and model evaluation, students will gain practical experience in applying machine learning techniques to real-world social media scenarios.
Introduction to Social Computing
This course is part of Social Computing Specialization
Instructor: Ian McCulloh
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Understand the basics of social computing and its relationship with social media and analytics.
Analyze how social media influences communication, behavior, and societal interactions.
Recognize how cognitive biases affect online behavior and the spread of information.
Explore how gamification enhances user motivation and improves social computing applications.
Skills you'll gain
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September 2024
12 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
The Introduction to Social Computing course explores the intersection of technology and social behavior. It covers fundamental concepts such as social computing, crowdsourcing, and human computation. Students will delve into social media dynamics, including platform manipulation and data limitations, and examine the effects of network conformity and cognitive biases on online behavior. Additionally, the course highlights the history and impact of gamification, demonstrating how game design can enhance social computing applications.
What's included
1 reading1 plugin
In this module, you’ll explore the fundamentals of socio-technical systems and responsible AI in the context of digital platforms. You’ll define social media analytics and delve into structure-based versus content-based analysis methods. You’ll also understand the role of social media and information in influencing and manipulating populations, providing a foundational understanding of how digital technologies shape societal interactions and behaviors.
What's included
4 videos3 readings3 assignments
In this module, you’ll get an in-depth exploration of social media platforms, focusing on high-level analytics, legal issues, and the impact of firestorms. You’ll be able to define what constitutes social media and examine how it influences modern communication. Learn about social media firestorms, their rapid escalation, and the implications for users and organizations. Explore social media platform manipulation and the challenges associated with collecting and analyzing data, enhancing your understanding of digital communication landscapes.
What's included
4 videos2 readings3 assignments1 ungraded lab
In this module, you’ll explore the dynamics of influence, network conformity, and cognitive biases in online environments. You’ll also understand how network conformity shapes beliefs and behaviors, and examine the phenomenon of majority illusion. You’ll also explore the neural basis of persuasion and the impact of cognitive biases on online interactions, equipping you with insights into combating disinformation and promoting critical thinking in digital spaces.
What's included
4 videos3 readings3 assignments
In this module, you'll explore the evolution and application of gamification in social computing. You’ll learn about the history of gamification and its impact on engagement. You’ll also understand how game design principles enhance the usability and effectiveness of social computing applications. You’ll explore research in applied game design, equipping you with practical insights into leveraging gamification to enhance user motivation and interaction.
What's included
5 videos3 readings3 assignments
Instructor
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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