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
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Introduction to Social Computing
This course is part of Social Computing Specialization
Instructor: Ian McCulloh
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
20 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
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
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
September 2024
Assessments
12 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Social Computing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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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
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Algorithms
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École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
University of California San Diego
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