Anyone interested in social media will now be able to learn how it became an integral part of society through Curtin University’s latest Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), How Media Got Social.
The free MOOC consists of four modules which will help learners discover where social media evolved from, how it became part of our everyday lives, and how it has changed the way we communicate.
Course Coordinator Associate Professor Tama Leaver from the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry said the MOOC is a fantastic opportunity to delve into all aspects of social media and explore how it has become increasingly prevalent over the last two decades.
“Social media and online communication dominates our daily lives in an unprecedented manner, with more than two billion people using Facebook today and over 800 million Australians on Instagram and other social media platforms,” Associate Professor Leaver said.
“We have the ability to purchase different mobile devices and wearable technologies, which means that social media is always on and part of everyday life for billions of people across the world.
“This MOOC will increase learners’ understanding of social media by looking at the ways people use social media, how this was amplified with the emergence of the mobile web, and how mobile has become the default way we use the web today.”
The MOOC will cover a range of topics including why people began using the internet in a social manner, the significant milestones of social media, the different ways users and social media companies utilise and think about social media, and current online social trends.
Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Jill Downie said the new MOOC will focus on an online communication tool as social media is such a large part of our everyday lives.
“This MOOC will explore the history and impact of social media in society, something that affects people across all industries, professions, regions and countries around the world,” Professor Downie said.
“This course not only focuses on a global trend, but is available to a global audience who may be looking for an alternative learning experience and who aren’t able to attend Curtin University.”
Participants can enrol now in How Media Got Social, which commences on Monday 29 January 2018.
