Course Description
A survey of key concepts in the field of Community Informatics, which focuses on how communities access, learn, and apply information and communications technologies (ICTs). Practical studies in this area consider how social, cultural, political, and economic factors influence the adoption and use of ICTs among members of specific communities. This course introduces students to key concerns in community informatics, including, among other things, digital literacy, digital divide issues (e.g, access, skills, and cultural divides), the role of ICTs in cultural heritage, and community development using ICTs. Learning experiences in this course will employ literature-based discussion and experiential learning at case sites using relevant ICTs, including public libraries.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Understand the concepts of community informatics in relation to actual communities. (PLOs 1-7)
- Examine the impacts of information and communication technologies on communities. (PLOs 2)
- Analyze and apply digital literacy techniques to support digital learning in communities. (PLOs 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Analyze and apply basic design thinking techniques to support community development through digital technologies. (PLOs 1-7)
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Assignment 1: Tech Show & Tell: Analyze and Report on the Use and Impact of an Information Technology. | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Community Informatics in the News: Analyze three recent scholarly articles on community informatics. Prepare an annotated bibliography for each article. | 10% |
| Assignment 3: Technology Help Interview: Interview a community member about their technology-related information needs and challenges, then analyze their experiences to identify barriers, support needs, and opportunities for improving digital access and technology assistance. | 15% |
| Assignment 4: Community Informatics Final Paper: Develop a personal vision and mission related to technology and community development, then create a theory of change that outlines the goals, activities, resources, and expected outcomes needed to achieve your vision. | 20% |
| Assignment 5: Community Informatics Journal: Select a library and monitor its communication strategies throughout the semester. Document your observations in a weekly journal and submit a final report evaluating how the organization engages, informs, and communicates with its community. | 25% |
| Participation: Introduction Slide, Attendence, Class Wide Discussions, Group Work | 20% |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance/participation is not a graded component included in the student's final grade for this course.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.