KCB295 VIRTUAL CULTURES

This weblog forms the basis for one of my assessment tasks for Virtual Cultures.

Rationale
The development of new media technologies has opened up opportunities for extended participation in online communications, and increased the scope for interaction, community-building and the development of shared interests and identification on a global scale. Enthusiasts consider that these 'virtual communities' provide the scope to transcend geographical barriers and material inequalities in the social world. Critics, however, point to ways in which new forms of inequality can manifest themselves in online culture, and to the potential dangers arising from collective dissociation from communities and inequalities of global access. This unit provides the opportunity to critically appraise such arguments, in the context of providing students with practical skills in online communications participation and management.

Aims
This unit aims to provide you with:
1. An introduction to a range of tools and software necessary for development of online communications;
2. An introduction to a theoretical and applied understanding of how online communications are being used to form wider cultural and affinity groups in industry, government, by community organisations, and in the broader society, both in Australia and internationally;
3. An understanding of social, political, legal and policy issues arising from communication through online communications;
4. An awareness of the ethical, attitudinal, social and relational skills and understandings necessary for effective participation in online communications, and appreciation of differences in gender, culture and customs between participants in online communications;
5. An understanding of how to participate in diverse cultural contexts, and how to work effectively internationally.

Objectives
On completion of this unit, and required assessment exercises, you will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of:
1. Strategies for maintaining and upgrading skills in the development and management of online communications;
2. How to creatively use online communications, in ways which promote client and community needs, as well as enabling creative problem-solving and expression;
3. The scope and limitations of online communications as a means of contributing to broader social and community goals;
4. The forms of sociality and ethical conduct necessary for effective and sustained participation in community development utilising online communications;
5. The significance of online communications in international and cross-cultural contexts.

Content
The unit's content includes:
* Virtual Communities: history, ideas, inspirations
* Contemporary Virtual Communities
* The 'Network Society'
* Cyberspace Politics: Online Activism; Speech, Rights, and Ethics
* Online Affinity Groups
* Case Studies in Online Communities
* Electronic Commerce
* Virtual Cultures and the 'Digital Divide'
* Australian Internet Cultures
* Global Internet Cultures

This Assesment task
ASSESSMENT 2: (summative and formative)
Type: Reflective Journal / Weblog
Description: online reflective journal
Weight: 35%
Relates to Objective/s: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Approximate due date: End of semester

Link: Unit Outline