Engagement in a Time of Polarization from edX

How can we work together in a society where our communications channels have become so polarized? Can we engage in active, effective collaboration in a media ecosystem designed to make money from driving us apart?

This two-week course convenes a conversation on participatory engagement models, and on building understanding and relationships even within the very real limits of contemporary social media. The course will enact the same participatory ideas it explores, and will feature input from leading voices in media literacies, disinformation, and polarization. Participants can engage on their own time and in real time, and if they wish, can build towards action in their local communities.

What you'll learn

Historical models of adult education for creating an informed, engaged citizenry
Factors that polarize our current information ecosystem
Hallmarks of participatory engagement, both online and off
The implications of polarization - and participatory engagement - for educators, government, and media

What's inside

Learning objectives

Historical models of adult education for creating an informed, engaged citizenry
Factors that polarize our current information ecosystem

Hallmarks of participatory engagement, both online and off
The implications of polarization - and participatory engagement - for educators, government, and media

Historical models of adult education for creating an informed, engaged citizenry
Factors that polarize our current information ecosystem
Hallmarks of participatory engagement, both online and off
The implications of polarization - and participatory engagement - for educators, government, and media

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the implications of polarization for educators, government, and media, helping learners understand the wider impact of polarization

Taught by Natalie Delia Deckard and Bonnie Stewart, who are recognized for their work in media literacies, disinformation, and polarization

Develops a strong foundation for learners to understand and engage with participatory models in the media

Teaches the history of adult education and its role in creating informed and engaged citizens

Convene a conversation on participatory engagement models and building relationships in a polarized media ecosystem

Course objectives are stated with clarity and explain what learners can expect to gain from taking the course

Career center

Learners who complete Engagement in a Time of Polarization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Community Engagement Specialist

Community Engagement Specialists work with community members to develop and implement programs that address local needs. They work with a variety of organizations, including schools, businesses, and non-profits. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Community Engagement Specialist by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work with community members.

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Media Literacy Specialist

Media Literacy Specialists develop and implement programs that teach people how to critically evaluate and use media. They work with a variety of audiences, including students, educators, and community members. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Media Literacy Specialist by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach media literacy.

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Program Director

Program Directors are in charge of all aspects of planning, developing, and managing educational programs. They work with instructors, administrators, and students to ensure that programs are meeting the needs of the community. This course can help prepare you for a career as a Program Director by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage educational programs.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations. They work with the media, the public, and other stakeholders to promote an organization's message. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Public Relations Specialist by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage public relations.

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Communications Director

Communications Directors oversee all aspects of an organization's communications. They work with the media, the public, and other stakeholders to promote an organization's message. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Communications Director by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage communications.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news stories. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and television. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Journalist by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to research, write, and report on news stories.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants help organizations improve their educational programs. They work with a variety of clients, including schools, businesses, and non-profits. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Educational Consultant by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to consult on educational programs.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and implement educational programs. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including educators, learners, and administrators. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Instructional Designer by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop educational programs.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including educators, learners, and administrators. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Curriculum Developer by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop educational programs.

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Public Policy Advocate

Public Policy Advocates work to influence public policy on behalf of their clients. They work with legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders to promote their clients' interests. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Public Policy Advocate by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to influence public policy.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers manage the social media presence of organizations. They work with a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Social Media Manager by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage social media.

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Digital Marketing Manager

Digital Marketing Managers plan and execute digital marketing campaigns. They work with a variety of channels, including social media, email, and search engines. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Digital Marketing Manager by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to plan and execute digital marketing campaigns.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Teacher by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They work with students to help them learn and grow. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Professor by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach and conduct research.

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Training Manager

Training Managers develop and implement training programs for employees. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Training Manager by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement training programs.

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Engagement in a Time of Polarization

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