IMS5044

Multimedia, the internet and human networking

Offered subject to approval

D Shauder

6 points - 2 hours per week in class participation (normally listserver conferencing), 6 hours per week in reading/preparation, 2 hours per week in assessment work, 2 hours per week in locating and downloading internet resources - Second semester - Distance education - Prerequisites: IMS9023 or equivalent, and IMS9049 or equivalent - Prohibition: LAR5008

Objectives At the completion of this subject, students should be able to understand the role of multimedia infrastructure and policy in relation to the development of human networks; identify available multimedia, internet and other resources to assist potential human networks; identify appropriate strategies for specific community or business organisations wishing to build human networks supported by multimedia communication; construct a framework within which to evaluate human networking proposals or existing ventures involving multimedia communication; demonstrate specific skills to initiate or participate actively in the development of human networks supported by multimedia communication.

Synopsis Through exploration of the emerging multimedia and internet based human networks, students will develop a thorough understanding of the emerging capabilities and services provided by such structures. Students will explore a number of key issues, from practical implementation to wider multimedia and information technology policy. This subject will prepare students to proactively participate in the development of the new human multimedia networks. Topics to be covered include the nature of emerging human networks; tools for building multimedia networks; building blocks for business and community networking; multimedia and telecommunications policy and infrastructure; commercial and government interest in establishing multimedia based human networks; and, constraints on and potentialities of, internet mediated human networking.

Assessment Research essay: 40% - Project work: 40% - Contribution to electronic discussion: 20%

Recommended texts

Agre P and Shuler D Reinventing technology, rediscovering community: Critical explorations of computing as a social practice Ablex, 1997
Gates W H Address to the 1997 American Society for the Advancement of Science Meeting, Seattle, 1997 See http://www.abc.net.au/science/rw/specials/gates.htm
Rheingold H The virtual community: Homesteading in the electronic frontier 1993

Back to the 1999 Information Technology Handbooks