When to Regulate? The Digital Divide and Net Neutrality from Coursera

This is the first out of three courses exploring Internet Policy: Principles and Problems. This course builds an interdisciplinary policy framework to critique and develop regulatory and policy approaches to real-world problems on the Internet. Learners then use the framework to develop policy solutions to improve the Digital Divide and to evaluate net neutrality regulations.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Data Science or MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Data Science: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/master-of-science-data-science-boulder

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

What's inside

Syllabus

When Should We Regulate the Internet?

In this module, you will learn how the early Internet was viewed not only as a disruptive force to communications services but to government regulation of information services as well, raising the important question of what justifications should be provided in support of policies designed to regulate Internet services. In short, we consider the important question of whether and in what fashion we should regulate the Internet. While this may seem strange to you given the large amount of government regulation of Internet services in today’s world, as you will see, the roots of the Internet began with a declaration in opposition to any government regulation of the Internet networks and services!

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Examines key problems on the Internet and explores approaches to address these problems

Develops an interdisciplinary policy framework for critiquing and developing Internet policies and regulations

Suitable for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Internet policy and its impact on society

Provides insights into the Digital Divide and net neutrality, which are crucial issues in the digital realm

Taught by David Reed, an expert in the field of Internet policy, ensuring high-quality instruction

Requires prerequisite courses, which may limit accessibility for beginners

Reviews summary

Internet policy, digital divide & net neutrality

According to learners, this course, part of CU Boulder's MS programs, offers a robust interdisciplinary framework for understanding Internet policy, specifically the Digital Divide and Net Neutrality. It delves into the historical context of Internet regulation and examines broadband as a universal service, addressing digital equity gaps with a relevant Colorado case study. The course also covers the evolution of network neutrality regulations by the FCC. While it provides a strong foundational understanding for policy solutions, it serves as the first in a series, suggesting further study may be beneficial for comprehensive expertise.

Primarily examines Internet policy and regulation within the United States context.

"I found the focus on US policy, especially the Digital Equity Act and Colorado's case study, very insightful for the American context."

"While the concepts are broad, the application examples, such as FCC regulations, are distinctly US-centric."

"I appreciated the deep dive into US broadband initiatives and net neutrality from a domestic perspective."

Serves as an introduction, indicating more in-depth study is likely needed.

"I learned a lot, but this course is clearly the first in a series, so it felt like a strong introduction rather than a complete deep dive."

"While comprehensive, I understand this is part of a larger specialization, meaning I'll need more courses for full mastery."

"As a foundational course, it sets the stage well, but I anticipate needing further study for specialized expertise in these areas."

Offers a structured, in-depth exploration suitable for graduate-level study.

"As part of an MS program, the course maintained a high academic standard, suitable for professionals."

"The modules were well-organized, building from foundational concepts of regulation to specific policy areas."

"I found the course structure logical, progressing from the 'why' of regulation to specific challenges like the Digital Equity Act."

Provides a robust framework for complex Internet policy issues.

"I found the interdisciplinary policy framework invaluable for critiquing and developing approaches to real-world Internet problems."

"The course helped me apply a structured framework to policy solutions for the Digital Divide and net neutrality."

"It was great to learn how to analyze Internet regulation through an interdisciplinary lens, connecting policy, tech, and society."

Focuses on timely and critical issues like Digital Divide and Net Neutrality.

"The course's focus on the Digital Divide and Net Neutrality is incredibly timely and relevant to current events."

"I appreciate how this course tackles crucial policy developments like broadband universal service and digital equity gaps."

"Understanding the debates around net neutrality is essential, and this course provided a solid, up-to-date perspective."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in When to Regulate? The Digital Divide and Net Neutrality with these activities:

Review of the principles of Internet policy

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Students should review the principles of Internet policy to ensure they have a strong foundation.

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Follow a tutorial on net neutrality

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Following a tutorial will help students gain a deeper understanding of net neutrality.

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Find a tutorial on net neutrality.
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises.

Discuss the course material with classmates

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Discussing the course material with classmates will help students to learn from each other and reinforce their understanding.

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Meet with classmates to discuss the course material.
Share your thoughts and ideas.
Listen to the perspectives of your classmates.

Three other activities

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Analyze case studies on Internet regulation

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Analyzing case studies on Internet regulation will help students apply the framework learned in the course.

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Identify the key issues in the case study.
Apply the policy framework to the case study.

Compile a list of resources on digital equity

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Compiling a list of resources will help students to learn more about digital equity and how to address it.

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Search for resources on digital equity.
Compile a list of the resources that you find.

Develop a policy proposal on a specific Internet issue

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Developing a policy proposal will allow students to apply their knowledge of Internet policy to a real-world issue.

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Identify a specific Internet issue that you are interested in.
Research the issue and the current policy landscape.
Develop a policy proposal that addresses the issue.

Career center

Learners who complete When to Regulate? The Digital Divide and Net Neutrality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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When to Regulate? The Digital Divide and Net Neutrality

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Internet policy, digital divide & net neutrality

Activities

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