Special Problems in Architecture Studies: e-Learning Systems
MIT's special topics seminar looks at e-learning systems from business, policy, technical, and legal angles, then ties information architecture back to the physical spaces where users actually work. Sessions mix assigned readings, in-class discussion, and guest speakers with group design work, while laboratory time is spent on implementation tools so students can build their own working prototypes rather than just discuss theory. Students learn to describe information architectures formally, using the Unified Modeling Language to specify and structure web applications and XML to mark up meaningful content. The course materials, available through MIT OpenCourseWare, include the syllabus, readings list, and assignments; auditing is free and there is no certificate track.