Social Computing

SCICU Information: Final Homework Class 17 (6/15 M)

2009-06-15T14:26:00.000+09:00

Lesson 5: Google Docs Due 6/17 W 12.40 p.m. (end of Period 3)

Please let me confirm that today was our final lesson this semester.

1. Complete your final answers for: Think, Explore, & Explain.

2. Add 1) A title: Lesson 5: Google Docs 2) Section sub-headings in your answer for Think, Explore & Explain.

3. Post your complete Lesson 5 answer to your e-portfolio directly from Google Docs (DO 9a. Or to learn how to republish your updated answer, please see DO 9b.)

Thank you!

Owen.

SCICU Information: Homework Class 15 (6/8 M)

2009-06-08T15:14:00.001+09:00

Lesson 5 Google Docs Due 6/10 W

Complete DO (3a)

Sample image to capture/annotate using Fireshot

2009-06-05T16:56:00.002+09:00

Yummy, yummy soba

SCICU Information: Homework Class 14 (6/3 W)

2009-06-02T13:53:00.005+09:00

Lesson 4: Delicious Due 6/8 M 8.00 a.m.

1. Complete your final answers for: Think, Explore (17), Do, & Explain.

2. Post your complete Lesson 4 answer to your e-portfolio.

3. Add 1) A title: Lesson 4: Delicious as a Personal & Social Study Tool, & 2) Section sub-headings in your answer for Think, Explore, Do & Explain. You might like to see Masa's post for Lesson 3, which represents a kind of quality that all learners (including me) can aim to achieve too.

SCICU Lesson 3 comments & grades

2009-05-28T14:06:00.001+09:00

Dear Social Computers,

Hello. This is just a quick note to let you know that I have left teacher comments and your grade for Lesson 3 on your e-portfolios.

Also, I really enjoyed reading your answers to Barabasi. While I did not comment on your Barabasi answers, for grading purposes I have updated my records to show that you had done this activity (or not). If you do have a few minutes to spare, I can recommend reading through some of the excellent answers your classmates have done.

All the best & see you next Monday.

Owen.

SCICU Information: Catch up for absence Class 11, 5/25 M

2009-05-25T14:39:00.001+09:00

Dear SCICU students,

There were a number of first time absences from class today. In order to catch up, you should do your best to:

Lesson 4 Delicious - A Personal and Social Study Tool

1. Do THINK

2. Read EXPLORE (12) & (13).

3. Do EXPLORE (14) & (15).

Barabasi Questions

4. Publish your final answers to your e-portfolio.

Thank you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me soon.

Owen.

Social Computing: Class arrangements C-Week

2009-05-17T10:09:00.001+09:00

Dear Social Computing Student,

This brief message is to remind you that that there will not be classes for Social Computing this week as I will be in hospital from Mon (noon) - Sun. Information relating to last Wednesday's class (Class 8) and the next two classes (Classes 9 &10) is posted on the course homepage.

I will look forward to seeing you in a week's time.

Take care,

Owen.

SCICU Information: Homework Class 8 (5/13)

2009-05-13T13:03:00.004+09:00

Lesson 3: Blog as e-Portfolio
Due 5/18 M 8.00 a.m.

1. Complete step Do. Try to do as much as you are able to in the time you have. Developing an e-Portfolio is an ongoing process and in Social Computing there is only time to take the first steps to understanding, developing, and using a personal e-Portfolio.

2. Complete writing steps: Think, Explore, & Explain.

3. Post your written answer to your e-portfolio.

4. Add 1) A title: Lesson 3: Blog as e-Portfolio, & 2) Section sub-headings in your answer for Think, Explore, & Explain. You might like to seeKeita's post for Lesson 2, which represents a kind of quality that all learners (including me) can aim to achieve too.

5. Update Record of Work for Lesson 3. Please add Y for Yes, N for No (including incomplete) for each item in red text in the table.

SCICU Information: Homework Classes 9 (5/18 M) & 10 (5/20 W)

2009-05-13T08:58:00.004+09:00

In Owen's absence next week (5/18 M-5/22 F) there will not be classes for Social Computing. However, this course work, which can be done independently, can help you develop a new perspective on your own place and role in our increasingly connected society.

Barabasi: The First Link pp. 1-8.

Monday 5/18. Due Wednesday 5/20.
Barabasi: 'Quick' read pages 1-8. Underline or highlight a) important phrases b) unfamiliar vocabulary. Do not stop reading to check vocab. Three (3) minutes per. page. Read until end. Now, check important words only.

Wednesday 5/20. Due Monday 5/25.

Barabasi: 'Slow' read & respond to these questions on your e-portfolio. Please write in full sentences, e.g. 1. "The main elements or factors critical to Paul' successfully spreading the Christian message...." Check and revise your answers. Publish your final draft answers to your e-portfolio.

1. What elements or factors were critical to Paul's success in spreading the Christian message?

2. Barabasi asks the question, "Could it happen again?" (p.4), what is your answer?

3. What new kinds of maps have been made of our interconnectivity (p.5)? What kinds of interconnectivity would you like to see mapped?

4. What is the 'real surprise' (p.5) that such maps have revealed? Personally, does this surprise you?

5. How does the author define the nature of most scientific research in the 20th Century? What is the problem associated with such an approach (p.6-7)?

6. What does Barabasi predict will be the new focus of scientific research in the coming era (p.7)? What is your view?

SCICU Information: Homework Lesson 4 (4/27)

2009-04-27T08:22:00.003+09:00

Due 4/29 W 8.00 a.m.

Lesson 2: Browser as PLE

1. Complete writing steps: Think, Explore, & Explain.

2. Post your written answer to your e-portfolio.

3. Add 1) A title: Lesson 2: Browser as PLE, & 2) Section sub-headings in your answer for Think, Explore, & Explain. Please see this student sample answer for Lesson 1.

SCICU Information: Homework Lesson 1 (4/13)

2009-04-11T16:15:00.004+09:00

Due 4/15 W

1. Install Portable Firefox (FF) for Windows on your USB drive.

Go to Homepage ->Course Links ->Video: How to install Firefox on your USB drive.

Follow the instructions & install FF on your USB drive.

Bring USB to every class from now on.

Due 4/17 F 13.50

1. Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Networks

Complete steps: Think, Explore, & Do.

Post your written answer to your e-portfolio. (You will set up your portfolio in class 4/15 W).

Add 1) A title: Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Networks, & 2) Section sub-headings in your answer for Think, Explore, & Do. Please see this student sample answer for Lesson 1.

Update Record of Work. Please add Y for Yes, N for No (including incomplete) for each item in red text in the table.

SCICU Information: Preparation for Lesson One 4/13 M

2009-04-11T12:42:00.001+09:00

Dear Social Computing Students,

Hello! This message is from Owen James, your Sophomore English teacher. Welcome to Social Computing (SCICU) for Autumn 2008!

To help us make a really good start to the course, I would like everyone to do their best to do these three (3) quick things before class on Monday, please.

1. (10 mins) Register for the SCICU D.I.Y. Textbook:

1. Go to SCICU Homepage. Watch video, 'How to register for DIY Textbook' (look left under Course Links).

2) Go to your ICU email inbox. Look for the SCICU DIY Textbook invitation (This invitation may have already arrived. If not, it should arrive soon. Unfortunately, I do not have control over exactly when the site sends it.)

3) Complete your registration as explained in the video.

4) Great, you are done!

2. Buy a USB drive (if you do not have one already): You can pick up a USB drive at any electronics store. 128 MB is fine and the cheapest. However, as always with storage, more is better, you can never have enough. Please bring it to every class.

3. Bookmark the SCICU Homepage (http://ojames.blogspot.com/) on your home computer.

If you have any problems, please reply to this message. Do note that your message will go to everyone. I will answer you as soon as I can.

Thank you for your cooperation.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Owen James

--
ELP, International Christian University,
3-10-2 Osawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-8585.
Office ph: +81-(0)422-33-3371
Home 0.5: http://okoj.net/james/
Skype ID: owen_james
Delicious ID: okoj

SCICU Information: Lesson 7 grades, etc.

2008-11-17T12:15:00.001+09:00

Dear Social Computers,

Grades and comments have been left on your e-portfolios for Lesson 7. I also checked for any late submissions, there were just a couple.

There were also three (3) revisions of assignments that had already been submitted and graded. I noted this new work in my overall considerations of your final grade for the course, but please understand that a grading system that allows for open revision of work that was already graded would be unworkable, a course could never end.

Thank you for the feedback on the End of Semester Survey, it is useful for me in a number of ways.
Although, I do wish we could have talked more about ways to improve the course in other ways too.

All the best to you.

Sincerely,

Owen.

SCICU Information: Lessons grades update

2008-11-06T17:03:00.002+09:00

Dear SCICU class,

I have just caught up with grading, mostly Lessons 4, 5, and 6, but did go through each portfolio and graded a few late postings for Lesson 2 and 3 as well. You may access your grades as usual in the comments for each lesson post on your e-portfolio. I am sorry that I fell behind on grading, I need to do better.

A couple Lesson 6 posts were incomplete, missing the graph of survey results. Yet, I do know that those particular students did complete the graph in their spreadsheet. In this case, I am confused why it was not included in the post for Lesson 6.

Tomorrow may be our last class. However, I am looking forward to learning more about Zotero tomorrow, when you are teaching.

Best, Owen.

SCICU End of Semester Survey

2008-11-06T12:48:00.000+09:00

Owen's Delicious 'brain'

2008-11-06T11:08:00.000+09:00

Adding value to GDS and You!

2008-11-04T15:46:00.006+09:00

1. If you could start posting work and other kinds of information to your GDS Inbox by email, what kinds of information might you send? What purposes could this serve for you?

Click 'Upload' button to find your GDS email address. Add your GDS inbox to your list of contacts.

2. Tracking activity. If you could keep up to date on changes that collaborators make to shared documents, by adding the RSS of the documents to your GReader, what kinds of documents might you want to track? What purposes could this serve for you?

To see a document's RSS feed, open a document and click the Collaborate tab. Then, click "View RSS feed of document changes" (on the right side).

3. Personal knowledge database. Your Web research, as well as when you create documents in GDS, publish them to the WWW, tag them, and save them to Delicious is one way to map the knowledge centers of your brain. Each tag can represent a node of understanding and your tags visualise what you know, for yourself, and for others. In what different ways might a map of your brain be useful?

Please see Wikipedia "Tag Cloud". Click to make your own Delicious tag cloud. My Delicious 'brain' is shown in the post above.

Links for Lesson 6: Google Docs & Spreadsheets

2008-10-24T09:28:00.003+09:00

Explore (e-Portfolio)
It is easy to learn a new way to create, share, publish, collaborate, and access you work anywhere. The video that follows explains more about Google Docs and Spreadsheets. Watch it a few times, stop and start it at critical points (the narration is fast!), take some notes. Try to identify two or three things about using GDS that could make studying easier for you. Please watch this video.

Do
1. (ROW) SCICU set up. Please do these things:
a) Get Google Docs & Spreadsheets (GDS)
b) Make your GDS home one of your homepage tabs in Firefox (Tools>>Options>>Main)

4. (ROW) Put your results into a table. In Docs Home, create a new spreadsheet. Make a simple spreadsheet to display your results. Label the data in your spreadsheet e.g. Stumbling blocks in collaboration, Number of responses. You might like to refer to this sample data sheet, however, be sure to use categories which relate to the responses that you have collected.

Adding value to your e-Portfolio and you!

2008-10-21T15:33:00.005+09:00

1. If you began posting your assignments to your e-portfolio and then inviting your professors to view them there, instead of or in addition to giving them a paper copy,
what advantages/disadvantages can you see?

2. If you could start posting work and other kinds of information to your e-portfolio by email, what kinds of information might you send? What purposes could this serve for you?

-> mail-to-Blogger address

3. In what situations might you want to share your research on your e-portfolio by embedding GReader?

-> Greader embedding

Lesson 3: Teaching materials - Natsuko (scicu08)

2008-10-14T14:20:00.000+09:00

2008-10-13T08:59:00.000+09:00

Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Network

Name: Ken Tanaka

Think

1. Social Software

From the above pictures, I'm familiar with a few of the images such as
flickr, Gmail, wikipedia, YouTube and facebook. I think that the social
software is a kind of software, which people uses in order to expand
their knowledge and experiences even if they are not actually
experiencing those events. Furthermore, social software makes social if
the users put in some kind of their own information to interact with
somebody. For example, people have to upload pictures to make comments,
suggestions and feedback on the flickr.

2. Social Networks

Belongings to certain networks simultaneously involve having and sharing
the information with the people you know. I think that sharing the
information in addition to having information is crucial in the
definition of networks. Therefore, social networks become social only if
sharing the information is occurred.

Explore

1. The incident of Enron Corporation will be an example. The Enron,
former energy corporation based in Texas, has involved the systematic
accounting fraud and ultimately bankrupted. This Enron scandal was first
reveled from the insider information from one of their employees.

2. Make notes on what you think the key words are?

Connection, Social Networking Service (SNS), Get things done

3. What were three things that surprises you?

1. College majors 2. Amount of information

3. Fast developing technologies

I completely agree with the ideas of college majors presented in the
video. The world is developing and changing rapidly, so the successful
students are necessary to grab the right opportunities for their career.
Also, there are college majors that we don't see compared to 10 years ago.

Also, I realized that the amount of information is tremendous.
Therefore, utilizing those tremendous information is crucial.

Same as in the example of college majors, we have to foresee the future
to grab the right opportunities because the worlds around us are
inspired by the fast developing technologies.

1. I strongly realized that we have to be a creator of the future in
order to grab the opportunities. Predicting the future needs and adopt
to those changes will produce tremendous outputs. Of course, utilizing
information is necessary. But I think I have to alternate our viewpoint.
My intentions of studying social software for learning is help adopting
to the future needs.

Sending Homework 1

2008-10-13T08:55:00.000+09:00

Dear Professor Owen,

I confused where I should upload the assignments.
All I need to do is to send my attached homework to
okokoj.scicu@blogger.com?

Yours sincerely,
ID: 111472 Ken Tanaka

2008-10-13T08:49:00.000+09:00

SCICU request: Class attendance

2008-09-29T14:26:00.001+09:00

Dear SCICU class,

Last Friday four students were not in class. The class needs you and you need to be in attendance each class. The two tools we are are setting up now, your browser as your PLE and your blog as your SCICU e-portfolio are crucial to your learning. Individual students are only able to participate in the class network with certain tools, and the class can only include you when you have the tools you need.

No attendance in SCICU does affect your classmates much more than in classes that use traditional tools like paper, books, and pencils. SCICU tools may not be better, but they are different and it is crucial that you have them so you can participate, and be included. Otherwise learning stops.

Please do your best not to miss any classes. If it is unavoidable, then it is your responsibility to catch up before next class.

I really need and hope for your full cooperation on attendance.

Thank you and see you all tomorrow.

Best,

Owen.

SCICU Information: Reminder that you are teaching tomorrow

2008-09-25T14:56:00.001+09:00

Dear Class,

Just a quick reminder of your appointment tomorrow to teach a classmate what to do and how to do what you have learned by doing either Lesson Two or Lesson Three.

Your homework has been to:

1. Complete the lesson you are working on.

2. Post your writing for the lesson to your portfolio, like Ken has done here.

3. Update your Record of Work.

Do your best to make sure that you are ready to teach tomorrow.

FYI, I have added every ones portfolio to the homepage, which means you can now click to see what your classmates have done. You can learn from your classmates easily, as well as easily give help or offer advice by leaving a comment on their portfolio.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

Owen

Lesson 3 Posting

2008-09-19T11:51:00.001+09:00

Lesson 3: Adding the link of my e-Portfolio to the SCICU homepage

ID: 111472 Ken Tanaka

Ken Tanaka's e-Portfolio: http://kenscicu08.blogspot.com/

Yours sincerely,

Ken Tanaka

Lesson1: Introduction to Social Network

2008-09-16T13:22:00.001+09:00

Lesson1: Introduction to Social Network

Nana Matsubara

THINK
1. I only recognize "You Tube" and "G-mail."
Social software offers online frameworks where people can share
information and interact etc.
What makes social software "social" is the presence of a crowd who receive
s information when sender puts outputs something online. There is a possibi
lity of reciprocal interaction created there.

2. Networks are various connections between people/objects/etc and social
networks are those that are created as a result of social activities of
human being

EXPLORE
- I cannot think of any particular examples.
- Some of the key words in the second video are visible/invisible.
- What seemed surprising are:
- the sum of My Space users accumulate to the 8th most densely populated
country in the world.
- currently, 1 out of 8 couples who get married originally met online in
the U.S.
- big social changes that are taking place now in general, such as their
career and college majors

DO
In the 3rd video, it is shown that our society is undergoing "exponential t
ime" of changes. I am rather unaware that it is happening and am not ready
for all those changes.
Living in 21st century, one does not seem to have a choice but to learn
how to use social software.
Acquiring such knowledge now, in particular for learning, will enable one
to utilize various tools in the future for whatever the works he/she
chooses.

2008-09-16T13:00:00.001+09:00

Lesson1: Introduction to Social Network

Name: Nana Matsubara

THINK
1. I only recognize "You Tube" and "G-mail."
Social software offers online frameworks where people can
share information and interact etc.
What makes social software "social" is the presence of a
crowd who receives information when sender puts outputs
something online. There is a possibility of reciprocal
interaction created there.

2. Networks are various connections between
people/objects/etc and social networks are those that are
created as a result of social activities of human being

EXPLORE
- I cannot think of any particular examples.
- Some of the key words in the second video are
visible/invisible.
- What seemed surprising are:
- the sum of My Space users accumulate to the 8th most
densely populated country in the world.
- currently, 1 out of 8 couples who get married originally
met online in the U.S.
- big social changes that are taking place now in general,
such as their career and college majors

DO
In the 3rd video, it is shown that our society is
undergoing
"exponential time" of changes. I am rather unaware that
it is happening and am not ready for all those changes.
Living in 21st century, one does not seem to have a choice
but to learn how to use social software.
Acquiring such knowledge now, in particular for learning,
will enable one to utilize various tools in the future for
whatever the works he/she chooses.

--------------------------------------
Enjoy MLB with MAJOR.JP! Ichiro, Matsuzaka, Matsui, and more!
http://pr.mail.yahoo.co.jp/mlb/

Assignment for SCICU autumn 2008 Lesson1 Hiroya Aoki

2008-09-12T19:56:00.001+09:00

Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Networks
Name: Hiroya Aoki

Think

1. Social Softwares

I often use YouTube to watch comedies, animations, sports and so on.
Social software is I think opened widely. Moreover it is free to use. For
example, YouTube is pay free to make account, upload movies, and watch
them.
It is also important that I can share the idea with other people. For
example, when I watch some movies on YouTube, I can write a comment for
those movies, and other people also can do. To use YouTube gives me
opportunities to mention my idea and get the other ideas. This situation
is similar to usual friendships around my life. When I watch the soccer
match with my friends, I chat with them which play is excellent or
terrible.

2. Social Networks

Social networks are "Networks that connect people with other people by usin
g internet." Social networks are social because it is connected whole world
, and isn't limited to use.

Explore

・ Sorry, I have no idea.

・ Comparison between social networking in the real world and on the website
s. Hidden connection or visible connection.

First, I was surprised at the fact that more than 50% of U.S.21-year-olds
have created content on the web because I am not good at PC-working, such
as typing, searching some information, using tools and so on. I feel
uneasy to use computer.
Second, the fact that 1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. in 2005
surprised me very much. Although I often chat with web friends on
messenger, I never want to meet them in real world because I want to
distinguish real world and web activities.
Third, third generation fiber optics was amazing because those push 10
trillion bits per second down a fiber. I cannot imagine such an large
number.

Social software is a tool to share the ideas people have. It is widely
opened and free.
Social network is a visible connection between people and the other people
on the web, but that network is difficult to see in the real world.
I want to make connection with other people to share and discuss about some
topics, such as life, environment, culture, and so on. I don' t know which
software is best for me to learn, but I have great interest on social softwa
re.

2008-09-12T11:25:00.001+09:00

Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Network
Name: Yuki Hatayama

Think

1. Social Software

I know some of them such as gmail, blogger, youtube and so on.
I guess social software is free tool for user to upload some information
on internet, and "social" means that information move from user to user.

2. Social Networks

If there are many lines between each dots(>3), it's network.
Social means that dots are human (i guess).

Explore

1. About Tibet.
2. Visible.
3. I realized an information-oriented society.

Social software and social networks are both new ways that people get to
send information to the world (or some society). Those servise assist
traffic of infrmation.

Lesson1 HW Introduction to Social Network

2008-09-12T08:50:00.001+09:00

Lesson1. Introduction to Social Network

Yukari Yamamoto

Think
1. I only know Wikipedia and YouTube. I sometimes use them as research
tools. Typical feature of these kinds of software is that, through the
software, everyone can be a sender of information. Also everyone can be a
recipient of information. Therefore, in my opinion, an interactivity of
information and a multitude of users made social network social.
2. I define network as a connection which exists between linked people.
The dimension which makes social network social is the people who
constitute the group. The people are can constitute the network from
everywhere in the world. Also everyone can be the member of the group.

Explore
I think the Internet is the quickest way to inform people, so this can be th
e first social media for many senders to spread out the senders' knowledge.
The keyword is visible or hidden relationship, I guess.

Do
Social software is very useful for me because I can get many kinds of
information quickly, for free, and at home. However I feel that, since the
software consist of ordinary people, it must have dangerousness. I cannot
accept all information which I get through the social software. In order
to get along with social technology, or use it fully, it is good to learn
social computing.

Intro. to social network

2008-09-12T07:38:00.001+09:00

Muto Moe l111290 Sep.9th

Think
1. I know G-Mali, YouTube and Wikipedia. I think social software is a cluste
r of information that everyone can use and sand it. I suppose that "everyon
e can use send it for free" make social software social.
2. I think social network is a system to shear information. It can be
social because of that everyone can join it.

Explore
For example, many companies or factories have their own web sites and send
information about their commodities and policies.
I think a keyword of social network is hidden, visible relationship.

I was surprised that "today's learners will have 10 to 14 jobs by their 38
th birthday." It cannot think that situation becomes real.
"More than 50% of U.S. 21-yaers-olds have created content on the web." and
"There were more than 2,700,000,000 searches performed on Google this mont
h." are also surprising for me. We are heavy user of web however I think ma
ny people cannot realize that until it show in figure.

Do
Social software is a program to use and send information.
Social network is system to shear information.
I would like to study social networks by running own web site or blog. I
think to choose information and respond to user are good way of learn
about that.

SCICU Lesson1 Homework 111496

2008-09-12T04:40:00.001+09:00

Lesson1: Intro to Social Network
Kunio Tsubonuma

Think
1.Socail software.
I know Wikipedia, Youtube, veoh, Gmail. I often use Wikipedia for
investigate something. All people in the Internet can write and edit
topics, so Wikipedia has very many information. However, we have not to
forget that sometimes they are wrong.
Social software is the thing that open to every people. People can both
read and write in the social software, and the information should be
shared. For example, in Youtube, people can watch videos and also can
post his own videos.

2.Social Networks.
"Network" is sets of links. Social network means interactive connencions
with others. People can give and take information.

Do
I would like to think how social software become social more. Actually,
in the recent social software, many people only recieve information.
Social software should be easier to dispatch infromation. It is best that
make the place all people really do interchange their knowledge, thought,
record, and so on easy and quickly.

Assignment for SCICU autumn 2008 Lesson1 Hiroya Aoki

2008-09-12T03:38:00.001+09:00

It's OK to send assignment to this address? I feel uneasy.

Natsuko Kodama, 2008, Sep 9th Homework

2008-09-09T20:40:00.001+09:00

Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Networks

Natsuko Kodama

Think (SCICU e-Portfolio)
1. Social software.
Which websites in the picture (top) are familiar to you?
　I have my account in digg.com, face book, and Twitter. Also I love Wikip
edia and veoh.com. In the veoh.com, you can enjoy whole famous anime movies
with free of charge.

What do you think social software is?
I suppose social software is CMS to enhance people's communication.

What do you think makes social software social?
I think the accessibility is critical to make social software social. T
he more easy to access it ,the more that software would be developed by unco
untable people's knowledge.

2. Social Networks. How would you define a network?
I define network is "some amount of information which linked with exte
rnal information". For example, our existence itself is also a form of info
rmation. However, we are not connecting each other. We are kind of "indepen
dent "block of information. On the other hand, the every page of internet w
orld is connecting to other page usually and form one space of information.
So internet can be said one of network.
What is social about a social network?
Social means "no one owns it ",I suppose. For example, your twitter p
age is composed by many undefined people's idea and information. One can pr
ovide information and one can also be given information. I think in the soci
al network, it is important that no one is owner or spokes man, but everyone
have the right and ability to change the system, say One's opinion, and pr
ovide information.

Explore (SCICU e-Portfolio)
Please watch this video on social software. Do you know of a recent
situation in which knowledge has become available first through social
media?
For example, I know some actors and athletes announce their retirement
on their blogs.

Please watch this video on social networks. Make notes on what you think
the key words are?
I think the keyword is "hidden/visible relationship" because that is t
he strongest characteristic of social networks.
Please watch this video on social & technological change in the world
today (now). What were three things that surprised you? Why?
What surprised me most was the fact that 10 subject out of all the subj
ect we leaning in the university have not existed 10years before because I r
ealized that "this" curriculum is the universal and only one system of uni
versity.
What impressed me next was the next question:" can you image 10yaers f
rom now what students are studying in the university?" In fact, I cannot. B
ut I image that no matter the subject name will change, people who tried har
d will enjoy the study most.
. Thirdly I was shocked the data that the all of the information which
is packed in the brains of people who are more about 21years old (that is
me!) are provided by e-information. I myself did not thought that I am
always using and correcting information though PC, that data was very
interesting.

Do (SCICU e-Portfolio)
Draw on your current understanding of social software, social networks,
and your understanding of the changes in 'Shift Happens' to write your own
rationale for choosing to learn how to use social software for learning.
Social software:
the tool to organize the relationship with people
Social networks:
The relationship which is visibly linked.
How to study social networks:
I would like to study social networks by internet communication
especially through SNS, such as mixi, face book or kauno.com because
SNS is not directly profitable for advertisement companies, it is
more easy to generate pure community of people.

SCICU Information: Preparation for Lesson One 9/9

2008-09-07T11:54:00.001+09:00

Dear Social Computing Student,

Welcome to Social Computing (SCICU) for Autumn 2008! This message contains some important details & asks you to do two things.

The SCICU Homepage is at http://ojames.blogspot.com/. Go here to access everything you need.

You (should) have already received two messages:

1. Notification that you have been added to the class discussion group.

2. An invitation to join the SCICU DIY Textbook.

OK, so now here are two things I want you to try your best to do before Lesson One, Tuesday Period 6.

(10 mins) Register for the SCICU D.I.Y. Textbook: 1. Go to SCICU Homepage. Watch video, 'How to register for DIY Textbook' (look left under Course Links). 2) Go to your ICU email inbox. Look for the SCICU DIY Textbook invitation you should have got earlier. 3) Complete your registration as explained in the video. 4) You are done! (One thing you will later do on the DIY Textbook is keep your record of assignments up to date - more on this later.)

Buy a USB drive (if you do not have one already): You can pick up a USB drive at any electronics store. 128 MB is fine and the cheapest. However, as always with storage, more is better, you can never have enough. Please bring it next class.

If you have any problems, please reply to this message. Do note that your message will go to everyone. I will answer, but anyone in the class can also answer.

Thank you,

Owen James

Reminder - SCICU Homework: Class 13/20

2007-10-23T08:49:00.001+09:00

Dear Class,

Please be sure that you have completed your details on the DIY S3 page before class today. This was part of homework. When I checked this morning, I was quite surprised to see that no one had yet done this. I was surprised because the details on the DIY S3 page are the decisions you need to make before you start preparing your session. Please do your best to update the DIY S3 page before class.

See you then, Owen.

SCICU Homework: Class 14/20

2007-10-23T08:32:00.000+09:00

Dear Class,

Here is the homework for today, if you have any questions please write your messages here. Messages will be sent to everyone, and anyone may answer.

Due Tuesday 10/23

1. S3: Have you completed your details on the DIY S3 page?

Previous homework has called for you to complete this work:

1) Learn the main features of your S3 tool (Homework 12)
2) Learn the screen shot/screen cast technology to present its main features (Homework 13).

Therefore, at this stage, for you should now be ready to :

1) Write your review of the application & post it to your SCICU e-Portfolio (Task 3, Student Instructions),
2) I recommend that you even begin working on your screen cast/screen cast (Task 4). If you have problems with Task 4, you will then be able to ask for assistance in class on Friday 10/26.

Please note once more. All students need to be ready to lead their S3 on Tuesday 10/30. You need to be well organised and to use your time well. Then, you have done everything you can to try to guarantee that your session is successful. There has been enough time to prepare and the last thing you want to do is to leave your preparations to the last minute, because it may just be too late.

Due Friday 10/26 (Please note, this date has been changed from 10/23)

2. Lesson 6: Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Please use your completed Record of Work to guide the homework you do. Everyone has the same basic tasks to complete, but individually you will most likely have different tasks to do. The Lesson 6 items listed in the Record of Work should be completed by next Friday, October 26. After Friday, I will review what you have done for grading. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

3. Readings: Agre, p. 201, pp. 211-214. Please respond to these questions on your blog:

1. What is the central problem for citizens in democracies?

2. What skills do citizens need?

3. What term does the author use to describe the process citizens use to promote their concerns about an issue?

4. What steps are the four steps in this process?

p. 212-214
Write two of your own questions on the ideas and issues raised in this section. Please be ready to lead a short group discussion next session, Friday, October 26.

SCICU Homework: Class 13/20

2007-10-19T09:48:00.001+09:00

Dear Class,

Here is the homework for today, if you have any questions please write your messages here. Messages will be sent to everyone, and anyone may answer.

Due Tuesday 10/23

1. S3: Select and start to learn the technology you will use to prepare and present your S3 session. As necessary, download and install the applications to your USB drive and/or your home computer. Complete your details on the DIY S3 page.

Due Friday 10/26 (Please note, this date has been changed from 10/23)

2. Lesson 6: Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Please use your completed Record of Work to guide the homework you do. Everyone has the same basic tasks to complete, but individually you will most likely have different tasks to do. The Lesson 6 items listed in the Record of Work should be completed by next Friday, October 26. After Friday, I will review what you have done for grading. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

3. Readings: Agre, p. 201, pp. 211-214. Please respond to these questions on your blog:

1. What is the central problem for citizens in democracies?

2. What skills do citizens need?

3. What term does the author use to describe the process citizens use to promote their concerns about an issue?

4. What steps are the four steps in this process?

p. 212-214
Write two of your own questions on the ideas and issues raised in this section. Lead a class discussion next session.

SCICU Homework: Class 12/20

2007-10-15T17:47:00.000+09:00

Dear Class,
Here is the homework for today, if you have any questions please write your messages here. Messages will be sent to everyone, and anyone may answer.

Due Friday 10/19
1. S3: The previous S3 homework called for you to add the name of the tool you will teach the class to the DIY Textbook. I will explain more about how to prepare your teaching session next class, but to prepare for it you should now spend some time learning its main features.

2. Lesson 6 Google Docs & Spreadsheets (GDS): Spend an hour or two working on this activity. As usual, the aim is to complete one lesson within two class periods and to complete any unfinished work as homework. Therefore, you should complete Lesson 6 by next Tuesday, October 23. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

Due Friday 10/26 (Please note, this date has been changed from 10/23)
3. Readings: Agre, p. 201, pp. 211-214. Please respond to these questions on your blog:

1. What is the central problem for citizens in democracies?

2. What skills do citizens need?

3. What term does the author use to describe the process citizens use to promote their concerns about an issue?

4. What steps are the four steps in this process?

p. 212-214
Write two of your own questions on the ideas and issues raised in this section. Lead a class discussion next session.

5.

6.

SCICU Homework: Class 11/20

2007-10-11T13:37:00.000+09:00

Dear Class,

Here is the homework for today, if you have any questions please write your messages here. Messages will be sent to everyone, and anyone may answer.

Due Tuesday 10/9
1. Lesson 5: RSS. Please use your completed Record of Work to guide the homework you do. Everyone has the same basic tasks to complete, but individually you will most likely have different tasks to do. The Lesson 5 items listed in the Record of Work should be completed by next Tuesday, October 16. After Tuesday, I will review what you have done for grading. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the

2. Readings: Kahn & Kellner, pp. 183-185, pp. 190-198. Come ready to discuss your summaries (Homework: Class 9/20).

3. S3 (Social Software Session). Narrow down your choices and select one tool from the S3 Toolbox to teach to the class. Each student should teach a different tool, so please add the name of the tool you select to the DIY Textbook.

SCICU Homework: Class 10/20

2007-10-09T13:55:00.000+09:00

Dear Class,

Due Friday 10/12
Readings: Kahn & Kellner, pp. 183-185, pp. 190-198
Write a brief summary of the main ideas and issues raised in the text. (150-180 words) What is your reaction? Respond to one particular idea that really resonates with you. (30 words) SCICU e-Portfolio.

Due Tuesday 10/16
Lesson 5 RSS: Spend an hour or two to continue your work on this activity. As usual, the aim is to complete one lesson within two class periods and to complete any unfinished work as homework. Therefore, you should complete Lesson 5 by next Tuesday, October 16. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

I look forward to seeing you Friday, Owen.

SCICU Homework: Class 9/20

2007-10-05T13:58:00.001+09:00

Dear Class,

If you were absent today (10/5) or if you did not receive the new reading (sorry, I forgot to distribute it & you might have left class already), please pick up a copy from outside ILC 275. The homework from today's class is outlined in the message below.

Have a great long weekend, Owen.

SCICU Homework: Class 9/20

2007-10-04T15:32:00.000+09:00

Dear Class,

Due Tuesday 10/9
1. Lesson 4: Social Bookmarking.
Please use your completed Record of Work to guide the homework you do. Everyone has the same basic tasks to complete, but individually you will most likely have different tasks to do. The Lesson 4 items listed in the Record of Work should be completed by next Tuesday, October 9. After Tuesday, I will review what you have done for grading. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

Due Friday 10/12
2. Readings: Kahn & Kellner, pp. 183-185, pp. 190-198
Write a brief summary of the main ideas and issues raised in the text. (150-180 words) What is your reaction? Respond to one particular idea that really resonates with you. (30 words) SCICU e-Portfolio.

SCICU Homework: Class 8/20

2007-10-02T09:09:00.004+09:00

Due Friday 10/5
Dear Class,
Please complete this work for next class:
1. Lesson 4 step Do.
2. Come ready to teach a classmate (or two) about the Firefox add-on you have learnt to use (Lesson 3 Do). What is it? How do you use it? Why is it useful?
3. Come ready to discuss Barabasi, "The Third Link" (Homework: Class 6/20).
As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.
Is your Record of Work up to date?
See you Friday, Owen.

SCICU Homework: Class 7/20

2007-09-28T08:31:00.000+09:00

Dear Class,

Please use your completed Record of Work to guide the homework you do. Everyone has the same basic tasks to complete. The new Lesson 3 items listed in the Record of Work should all be completed by next Tuesday, October 2. After Tuesday, I will review what you have done for grading. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

I look forward to seeing you next week.

Owen.

SCICU Homework: Class 6/20

2007-09-25T08:54:00.000+09:00

Barabasi: The Third Link pp. 25-35
Due Tuesday 10/2

Please respond to these questions on your blog:

1. What is the principle of six degrees of separation? What number of social links does any one person need to be connected to global society? p. 30

2. How is the fabric of society today different from pre-internet society? p. 31

3. How many more links separate any pair of web pages compared to people in society? What can explain the difference? p. 34

4. So far, what ranges of separation have network scientists discovered in different kinds of networks? p. 34

5. What does research suggest about the fundamentals of networks? p.34-35

6. What is your estimate of your personal number of connections to society? What connections are your strongest?

SCICU Homework Class 5/20

2007-09-21T14:36:00.001+09:00

Dear Class,

Please use your completed Record of Work to guide the homework you do. Everyone will do different things, but everyone has the same basic tasks to complete. The items listed in the Record of Work should all be completed by next Tuesday, September 25. After Tuesday, I will review what you have done for grading. As usual, lesson materials and links to websites are in the Web Box on the Homepage.

I look forward to seeing you next lesson, have a great long weekend.

Owen.

Video: How to install Firefox to your USB drive

2007-09-20T18:02:00.000+09:00

Installing your own Firefox to your USB drive should take about 5 minutes. Please see this video.

SCICU: Earphones for class

2007-09-20T17:55:00.000+09:00

Dear SC student,

If you have earphones for your keitai or music player, please pack them and bring them along to class. It would be a good idea to leave them in your bag, so that you have them with you all the time and can use them whenever you may need for class or for personal study.

Thank you, Owen.

Social Software Survey: Choices for Question One

2007-09-18T14:29:00.000+09:00

Do not know what this is/never seen it

Know a little about this but have not used it

Have seen this and know something about it

Have seen this but not in relation to my own study

Have used this with teachers in classes I have taken

Have used this for my own study

Have used this to share information with other students

SCICU Homework: Class 3/20

2007-09-14T08:42:00.000+09:00

Due Monday 9/17

(10 mins) 1. Register for D.I.Y. Textbook. Go to Homepage. Watch video, "How to register for DIY Textbook." Go to ICU inbox. Complete your registration. (After registering, one thing you will be able to do is keep your record of assignments up to date for grading purposes - more on this next week.)

2. Buy USB drive if you do not have one already. 128 MB is fine and the cheapest. However, as always with storage, more is better, you can never have enough. You must bring it next class .

Thank you. You can reply to this message if you have any problems. Anyone in the class can answer. If you still need me to help, please ask me to join in the conversation.

SCICU Homework: Class 2/20

2007-09-11T14:38:00.001+09:00

Partner Introduction
Due Friday 9/14

Write about your partner's use of Internet (past & present) for study & leisure (& work?). Include your partner's first name only. Post to SC Cafe.

Barabasi: The First Link
Monday 9/17

Read and annotate. Answer these questions in full sentences. Type. Bring a digial copy to class (i.e. email it to yourself, or save to USB drive).

1. What elements or factors were critical to Paul's success in spreading the Christian message?

2. Barabasi asks the question, "Could it happen again?" (p.4), what is your answer?

3. What new kinds of maps have been made of our interconnectivity (p.5)? What kinds of interconnectivity would you like to see mapped?

4. What is the 'real surprise' (p.5) that such maps have revealed? Personally, does this surprise you?

5. How does the author define the nature of most scientific research in the 20th Century? What is the problem associated with such an approach (p.6-7)?

6. What does Barabasi predict will be the new focus of scientific research in the coming era (p.7)? What is your view?

Thank you. You can reply to this message if you have any problems. Anyone in the class can answer. If you still need me to help, please ask me to join in the conversation.

SCICU Homework: Class 1/20

2007-09-10T11:03:00.000+09:00

Dear SCICU Student,

Please take about 15 minutes to complete this survey of your past and present use of social software for study, work, & leisure. Your information will help me understand your personal skills & understandings, and your needs and preferences.

Thank you,

Owen

Tanzania?! No, I think Owen is from Tasmania. Is that in Africa?

2007-09-10T10:13:00.001+09:00

My Hometown Presentation

SC grades

2006-11-20T16:17:00.000+09:00

Dear SC,

Folks, My grades now shows the complete record of your grades for SC. It shows your grades for your final assignments and any late work, as well as my very brief comments. I am sorry that I did not have time for blog comments before today's deadline for teachers' grades - for my comments on your final assignments please see My grades.

Be sure to enjoy your break and come back refreshed and ready to work hard next semester.

Best,

Owen.

SC grades - please link from your blog

2006-11-15T09:28:00.001+09:00

Good morning!

Folks, I will start working on your grade for SC first thing Friday morning. If you have not already created a link on your blog to your IE homepage do this as soon as you can, but by 9 a.m . Friday at the latest please - this guarantees your IE homepage will contribute to your overall score.

Thank you, Owen.

PS. Sorry we went over time yesterday.

Tomorow's SC class

2006-11-09T09:57:00.001+09:00

Hi Folks, You can use all of tomorrow's class time to work on your IE homepage. I will come and discuss your work with each of you for a little while, but mostly you can use the whole period to address the points in the IE Framework in the design and content of your site. Bye for now, Owen.

SC Homework due Friday 10 (& Tuesday 14) November

2006-11-07T13:25:00.000+09:00

Hi folks,

There are two pieces of IE homepage homework:

A) Post a "Guidelines for Comments" statement (or similar) to your IE Homepage. State the purpose of your rules. Consider using a using a "Do - Do Not" format for each rule, e.g.

Do be original.
Do not repeat something that someone else has already explained or commented on.

For support refer to these guidelines in the Class web box (or others you have found):

Blog - éS Blog Comment Guidelines

Blog Comment Guidelines

Guidelines for Blog Comments

B) Continue your work on your IE homepage. Post a brief message of the work you will do to our class forum. Use the IE Framework to identify the most important work you still need to do:

1. Self analysis - know why your issue and why it is important to you

2. Establish your credibility - provide evidence of research and analysis of your issue

3. Identify target group (those people whose behaviour/opinions you want to change) - stake out a public position on your issue. Your "sticky message" needs to be highly visible and stated in a clear, specific way.

4) Build a social network (your supporters) - develop an organisational base of people supportive of your "sticky message" and link to existing organisations with views compatible with your own.

5) Design an IE homepage - stake out a personal, public presence. Your homepage will connect a) you to everyone else in your network (you to other nodes) b) everyone else to everyone else (nodes to nodes) and c) everyone to your "sticky message".

Looking ahead: You will give a brief presentation on your IE Homepage next Tuesday, November 14. In your presentation you will explain how the design of your homepage addresses each of the 5 points in the IE Framework. Assessment: 10% (out of 35% as per Syllabus).

SC homework due today and Friday, November 3

2006-10-31T12:21:00.000+09:00

Dear SC,

There are two pieces of homework:

Issue Entrepreneurship
Due today:
a) IE homepage: Update your plan of work for the next few days. Post your update to our forum Discuss Social Computing ICU (8).
Due Friday:
a) Blog post: Read "How to be a Great Host ." What ideas and issues raised in the text resonate with you as host-to-be of your own community. Explain in a clear, well structured paragraph.

Thank you!

Lots & lots of social software

2006-10-25T14:14:00.000+09:00

Hi Folks

I have just posted this site Online Collaboration Reviews by Robin Good to the class Web box, it contains lots of reviews of new social software services you could use in the design of your IE homepage. Here is a sample page from the site, but do look for services that meet your specific needs, look for services that specifically aim to connect and support collaboration -- this makes software social. This site could be a very useful resource as you design and build your homepage.

Best, Owen.

SC homework for Friday

2006-10-24T18:09:00.001+09:00

Hi Folks,

Just one new item of homework due for Friday:

A. Begin building your IE homepage.
The fifth step of the IE Framework calls for you to stake out a personal public presence. Your IE homepage will need to connect i) you to other nodes in your network ii) each node to your "sticky message" iii) each node to all other nodes. You may use any combination of social software to create your homepage, including a blog, wiki, RSS, distributed bookmarking system, aggregator (perhaps for live news updates on your IE issue), podcast, video, and there many more services you might use. Don't worry! We can all help each other, the important thing is to make a start and show us your work Friday!

---------------------

The homework below was due today. There are two excellent examples of completed work here and here. Do be sure to catch up and finish by next class.

B. IE blog post: The IE Framework (you wrote this up in Google Docs last Friday) describes a five-step process to developing an Issue Entrepreneurship, including 1) Self analysis 2) Establishing credibility 3) Knowing your target group 4) Developing an organisational base, and 5) Designing a IE homepage. Develop a blog post that defines and responds to what you see as the most important work you need to do at this particular stage. The Syllabus calls for ongoing posts summarizing the work you do, as well as, critical examination of the value of social software in your work. Come next class ready to present and discuss your ideas and issues with the group. You are encouraged to use the Internet to support your discussion.

----------------------

In class on Friday, you will-

a) Update us on your IE based on homework B above (Taketei and Kenta did this today).
b) Take us on a 5 min tour of the main features of a social software service. We did not have time in class today for this, but their will be time to for you to show us on Friday. This activity is described in more detail here.
c) Show us the first steps you have completed to build your IE homepage.

Folks about homework, because Social Computing is a collaborative course, the work you do makes the course for everyone else, your input is vital and required for everyone to benefit from the collective intelligence, skills, and understandings of others. SC is not an individual study course, so it could be seen to be somewhat selfish not to contribute in timely manner. Please take seriously the responsibility you have to all other students in the course and complete your homework in timely fashion, arigato.

Thanks folks!

SC homework due Tuesday, October 24

2006-10-20T18:26:00.001+09:00

Dear SC,

As we move now towards your Issue Entrepreneurship becoming the focus of your work, both items here relate to your IE projects:

1.IE blog post: The IE Framework (you wrote this up in Google Docs today) describes a five-step process to developing an Issue Entrepreneurship, including 1) Self analysis 2) Establishing credibility 3) Knowing your target group 4) Developing an organisational base, and 5) Designing a IE homepage. Develop a blog post that defines and responds to what you see as the most important work you need to do at this particular stage. The Syllabus calls for ongoing posts summarizing the work you do, as well as, critical examination of the value of social software in your work. Come next class ready to present and discuss your ideas and issues with the group. You are encouraged to use the Internet to support your discussion.

2. Research a social software service: We looked at Odeo the podcasting service today and we already use a number of different social services, including Blogger, Delicious, Google Docs, Bloglines, Wetpaint wiki, and RSS technology as the infrastructure of our SC class network. Which social software might you want to use in the design of your IE homepage? Choose one service which really interests you. Explore the service and learn to use its main functions (many of you may know a service very well already). This is a handy introduction to social software and includes links to various social services as well, however, it does not include Japanese sites for reaching your Japanese target group(s). Come next class ready to take us on a tour of the main features of the service. Can you surprise us with something new?!

Thanks everyone!

ARW homework extended to Friday, October 20.

2006-10-17T18:02:00.001+09:00

Dear SC,

A few terrific IE projects were presented today!

Two pieces of homework were due today for discussion in class. Perhaps because of mid-term exams/assignments attendance was not good and homework was not completed by everyone. This homework is particularly important as Friday you will start moving towards designing your Issue Entrepreneurship homepage. Please do your very best to complete this homework by next class.

This homework is here on the homepage:SC homework due Tuesday, October 17 (extended to Fri., Oct 20)

Thank you, I am looking forward to you sharing your updated IE ideas with us!

Owen

SC homework reminder

2006-10-13T14:18:00.001+09:00

Hi Folks,

No new homework today, but please finish the homework that is due Tuesday, October 17. We will discuss your answers to Agre next class and you will also have time to show and talk about your Issue Entrepreneurship network map on Gliffy.

Agre and your IE map builds your foundation for the next five weeks, when your IE will be your main focus in SC, so this work is very important for your success. I am especially looking forward to seeing your maps, and learning more about the exciting ideas you have.

See you Tuesday!

Owen.

SC Please bring....

2006-10-12T12:17:00.001+09:00

Dear SC,

If you already own some, please bring your PC headset (headphones with mic attached) or PC mic to tomorrow's class.

As usual, also bring your USB drive.

Thank you, see you tomorrow!

Owen.

SC homework due Tuesday, October 17 (extended to Fri., Oct 20)

2006-10-10T18:08:00.000+09:00

For Friday there is one piece of homework:

1. Blog post: Read Agre, p. 210 & pp. 210-214. Answer questions 1-7. Write your responses in full sentences on your blog. You will find the questions here Agre, p. 201, pp. 211-214, alternatively go to the DIY Textbook, then Texts, then Agre.

If you missed today's class, please pick up your copy outside my office, ILC-275.

Homework for Tuesday (if you would like to make an early start):

2. Issue Entrepreneurship: Map the structure of your IE network. Your map will show the nodes in your IE network, including your "sticky message", agent (you, others?), main strategic group(s), and the links between these nodes. Your IE requires you to develop these nodes and links using social software. You might think of these links as the information and communication paths your "sticky message" will travel.

Use social drawing software to create your IE network map. I recommend Gliffy (register at www.gliffy.com ), but please use one of your own choice if you prefer, but be sure that it also supports web-based sharing and collaboration. Gliffy is easy to use, click on the "nodes" and "links" you want and drag them to the drawing area. To add text, double click inside the "node".

You have the opportunity to add, delete, and modify the nodes and links in your IE network map as your project develops over the semester. Please think of this map of your IE network as a work in progress.

Thanks everyone!

Homework due Tuesday, October 10.

2006-10-06T14:46:00.001+09:00

1. IE: Come ready next class to talk about (and show) the first steps you have made on your Issue Entrepreneurship.

2. Blog post: Read your partner's Kahn & Kellner summary. Post a personal reaction to the ideas and issues contained in the summary, there is no need to comment on the writer's English i.e. structure, grammar, etc. (150-180 words)

I will post assignment grades to the SC homepage soon. The table will not include your name, but on Tuesday I will explain how to identify your information, so you can keep track of how you are going.

Thanks everyone!

SC Please bring....

2006-10-05T13:34:00.000+09:00

Dear SC,

If you already own some, please bring your PC headset (headphones with mic attached) or PC mic to tomorrow's class.

As usual, also bring your USB drive.

Guidelines for email

2006-09-24T15:57:00.000+09:00

Use variations of this basic form:

Dear (Teacher's name),

This is (Your name) from (Name of class).

(Ask your question or state your idea or issue here.)

(Explain what you would like the teacher to do)

Thank you,

(Your name)

Please note: Email is more formal than text/chat/SMS.

Social Computing: Technology - Social Networks - Democracy & Change

2006-08-29T18:07:00.000+09:00

Instructor: Owen JAMES
Email: james
Office: ILC 275

Learning Landscape
1. Homepage: http://ojames.blogspot.com/index.html
2. D.I.Y. Social Computing Textbook: http://okoj.wetpaint.com/page/Home
3. Group Email
* Group name: SCICU
* Group home page: http://groups.google.com/group/scicu
* Group email address scicu@googlegroups.com
4. Research database: http://del.icio.us/tag/scicu
5. Classes: Period 5 Tuesdays, Room H-159 (10 classes) & Friday Period 3, Room I-131 (9 classes)

General Advice
Keep an open mind: Learning means changing so do expect differences, especially in a computer-mediated such as this. Always talk to me about your ideas or if you have concerns.

How to Succeed
Attend all classes on time. Do all activities on time. Everything you do counts towards your grade. Best grades are rewards for consistent effort.

Course Description
Social Computing offers you the opportunity to put your passion into action througn technology. This course is for students interested in learning new information and communication technologies. Students will learn to use blogs, wikis, distributed bookmarking systems, RSS, aggregators, and other new social technologies. Students will also critically examine relationships between technology, social networks, democracy, and change. As well, you will undertake an individual 'issue entrepreneurship', using social software to promote a social cause you feel passionate about. Social Computing gives you the skills and the opportunity to take your message to the world.

Course Requirements
This course suits students who are comfortable with technology, enjoy project-based learning, and at the same time can commit to significant online collaboration and engagement with your peers.

Course Objectives. Students will:
a) Develop an in-browser work environment to call to service selected zero-install, web-based social applications
b) Develop hands-on experience in setting up, integrating, and using social software, including blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, aggregators, and distributed bookmarking systems.
d) Undertake a theoretical review of the relationships between technology, social networks, democracy, and change.
c) Undertake an 'issue entrepreneurship' (Agre) to test affordances of social software for creating democratic community and affecting personal and social change.

Readings
1. Barabasi, A-L, Linked (2003)
* The First Link: Introduction, pp. 1-8
* The Third Link: Six Degrees of Separation, pp. 25-35
* The Twelfth Link: The Fragmented Web, pp.161-172

2. A. Feenberg & Barney, D. (eds) Community in the Digital Age (2004)
* R. Kahn and Kellner, D. Virtually Democratic: Online Communities and Internet Activism, pp. 183-198
* Agre, P. The Practical Republic: Social Skills and the Progress of Citizenship, 201-215

3. Feenberg, A. Questioning Technology (1999)
* The Limits of Technical Rationality, pp. 75-91
* The Problem of Agency, pp. 120-129

4. Dourish, P. Where the Action Is: The Foundations of Embodied Interaction (2004)
* Space, Place, and Locales, pp. 87-97
* Moving Towards Design, pp. 167-187

Assignments & Grading
45% Course Readings posts. Entries to your blog to summarise the main ideas and give your reaction to the ideas/issues in the text (or to a classmate's summary).

35% Issue Entrepreneurship posts. An IE is your opportunity to promote a cause you are passionate about, using any kind(s) of social software to spread and encourage take up of your “sticky message.” Your message may relate a personal, social, or global issue. Your IE will not be graded on the amount of social change you achieve, but on the posts you make summarizing the work you do, as well as, critical examination of the value of social software in your work.

10% Posts to classmates' blogs. This assignment is intended to encourage you to frequently read class blogs and offer constructive comment on the work of your classmates.

10% Research Collection. You will post a minimum 20 resources to our shared, class research collection maintained at deli.cio.us. As you surf the web in search of information about social computing and your Issue Entrepreneurship, you will bookmark items using the tag scicu. You are also encouraged to bookmark resources that you think classmates may be interested in. You will refer to and link to items from this collection in your blog posts on Course Readings and your IE. You will be alerted to new items in the Collection in your RSS aggregator (Bloglines, Sage), alternatively on the SC homepage, click Class web box.

Evaluation of blog posts
Grading of blog posts is based critical thinking, clarity, and sufficient quantity.

Weekly Coursework
Week 1: September 11
Due Date: Tuesday, September 19.

1. Get a blog at Blogger www.blogger.com
2. Get an RSS aggregator at Bloglines www.bloglines.com
3. Get a Del.icio.us account www.delicious.com

4. Accept Wetpaint invitation (D.I.Y. Textbook)
5. Post your blog URL & RSS feed and deli.cio.us username to the D.I.Y Textbook

6. Blog post: My (Techno-) Biography

7. Subscribe to all blogs at Bloglines
8. Subscribe to 'scicu' feed at http://del.icio.us/tag/scicu

9. Read Barabasi, A.L, Linked (2003) The First Link: Introduction, pp. 1-8

10. Blog post: Post a brief summary & personal reaction to Barabasi.
11. Blog post: Post a reply to a classmates' post on your own blog. Use 'reply to' and 'classmate's name' in title of your post.

12. Buy a USB drive (128MB is ok, but you can never have enough storage, so buy as big a drive as you can afford).
You must have this for class on 9/15.

Week 2: September 19
Due Date: Friday, September 22.

Here is the homework assignments that follow on from the work we did in class today:
1. Answer Barabasi questions. Contribute to class answers on Barabasi, pp. 1-8. Add your answer and/or delete, modify existing information or the structure of the group's answer. The goal is to create one best answer for each question. Go to DIY Textbook->Course readings-> Barabasi: The First Link pp. 1-8 and click Edit the content to add your contribution. Be sure to save when you have finished.

2. Read Barabasi, A.L., Linked (2003) The Third Link: Six Degrees of Separation, pp. 25-35. Students absent from class today should pick up a copy tomorrow from outside my office, ILC 275.

3. Blog post: Post a brief summary & personal reaction to Barabasi. (150-180 words)

4. Blog post: Issue Entrepreneurship.

To assist you in understanding, planning, and implementing your work to use social software to contribute to change on a social issue you personally feel passionate about, make an early attempt to address these questions in your blog. You may choose to focus on an issue at either a personal, social, or global level. You have an open opportunity to address these questions through your blog as your understanding develops over the course of the semester.

Your message.
1. What is your sticky message? (Barabasi 3) What is the idea you wish to promote or issue/problem you want to try to 'solve'?

Knowledge of social network.
2. Who is your strategic social group? Can you identify and define the organisational base you will need to develop and/ortap into?

Strategy for network building.
3. How will work to create your organisational base? How will you spread and encourage others to take up your message?

Due Date: Tuesday, September 26.
1. Blog post: Read classmates' posts on Barabasi, Six Degrees of Separation, pp. 25-35. Post a question for class discussion on Tuesday.

2. Read classmates' Issue Entrepreneurship posts. Post a constructive reply to one of our class members.

Week 3: September 26
Due: Tuesday, October 3

No new homework this week! However, homework has become very inconsistent overall and as a group we need to really improve this aspect of our course.

A part answer is to give everyone the chance to finish three pieces of core homework so that we are all on the same page, then we can make a fresh, new start next week. Please do not waste this opportunity to take an important step towards successfully completing Social Computing. Lastly, students who fail to complete this core work will need to earnestly discuss arrangements with me for their continued participation in this course.

Here is the core homework:

Blog post 1: Read Barabasi pp. 1-8 and post your summary and reaction (min. 150-180 words).

Blog post 2: Read Barabasi pp. 25-35 and post your summary and reaction (min. 150-180 words).
Blog post 3: Respond to these questions on Barabasi: The Sixth Link pp. 25-35 in full answers on your blog.

Blog post 4: Respond to these questions on your Issue Entrepreneurship on your blog (min. 150-180 words).

Assessment: Critical thinking, clarity, sufficient quantity.

Please note: Students who have already done this core homework do not need to do it again , however, you may like to return to the work you did, and edit it to make any improvements.

Week 4: October 2
Due: Friday, October 6

1. Blog post: Read Kahn and Kellner pp.183-185, pp.190-198. Post a summary of the main points (a classmate will respond to you for homework for Friday). If you were absent from today's class, please pick up a copy from outside my room, ILC-275.

Due: Tuesday, October 10
Homework will now be posted as new messages to the SC course blog, rather than extending this document further.

Week 5: October
See most recent blog posts for homework updates.