INFO 3011 Social Computing

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 300961

Coordinator Simi Kamini Bajaj Opens in new window

Description Rapid growth of computational devices connected to the internet such as mobile phones, tablets, personal computers have made us into a digitally connected society. This has enabled us to develop a new computing paradigm: Social Computing to enhance ways we can fulfil a range of primary and secondary human needs. Already many new businesses have evolved making use of these possibilities surpassing the number of users in corresponding conventional businesses such as retail, transportation and hotel chains. In this unit you will learn the fundamental concepts of Social Computing, how Social Computing is evolving, explore interaction models of social networks, analyse a few reported cases that relate to social computing in detail to understand the impact on society and businesses, and explore ways to enhance a range of livelihood activities and future possibilities. This unit will also cover underpinning technologies related to social computing such as Web 2.0, knowledge management and related security and privacy issues.

School Computer, Data & Math Sciences

Discipline Information Technology, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Restrictions Successful completion of 160 credit points.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Describe the impact of Social Computing taking examples from our daily life.
  2. Describe characteristics of Social Computing and explain these characteristics using examples.
  3. Describe the factors and technologies that enabled wide spread use of social computing.
  4. Analyse a specific scenario related to lack of timely information leading to unsatisfactory outcomes and develop a solution based on a Social Computing paradigm to transform these scenarios.
  5. Explain the rapid evolution of Social Computing using theories relevant to technology diffusion.
  6. Synthesise the future impact on Social Computing on individuals, organisations and the society as a whole.

Subject Content

1. Social Computing, its evolution and broader impact
2. The essential characteristics of Social Computing and how these relate to human needs
3. Review of technologies that enabled the Social Computing paradigm
4. Broader review of how Social Computing is impacting our daily activities
5. Explore ways to enhance livelihood activities using social computing
6. Review of technology diffusion patterns that are applicable to Social Computing
7. Security and privacy issues in Social Computing
8. Future of Social Computing

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Reflection 3 blogs spread within the semester 30 N Individual
Applied Project Group project of 8 weeks duration, and 10 minutes (each presentation) 40 N Both (Individual & Group)
Essay 1,500 words 30 Y Individual

Teaching Periods

Spring

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Simi Kamini Bajaj Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Sydney City Campus - Term 3

Sydney City

Day

Subject Contact Antoinette Cevenini Opens in new window

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Structures that include subject