On July 28, SOI Asia officially launched the online course Participating in the Internet on FutureLearn, a global platform for open online learning. This marks the third course in the SOI Asia Online series, following the release of Understanding the Internet and Operating the Internet.
Designed as a self-paced course, Participating in the Internet introduces the evolving field of Internet governance, with a focus on how diverse communities and stakeholders shape the rules and operations of the global Internet.
The course is ideal for anyone interested in how the Internet community operates and influences society, and it does not require any technical background—though it also offers insights valuable to professionals in policy, engineering, civil society, and international development.
Over the course of three weeks, participants will explore:
- The basics of Internet history and infrastructure
- Internet resource management and community roles
- The concept of the multi-stakeholder model in Internet governance
- How to get involved in global Internet forums and initiatives
The course was produced by a dedicated SOI Asia team at Keio University, in collaboration with the WIDE Project, APNIC, AITAC, and other key stakeholders in the Internet ecosystem, with support from the APNIC Foundation. It is part of a broader effort to build capacity in the Asia Pacific region and beyond by encouraging the next generation of Internet users and professionals to take an active role in shaping a secure, inclusive, and sustainable Internet.
To further promote the course and foster dialogue around youth engagement in Internet governance, SOI Asia is hosting a dedicated panel session on 29 July at APAN 60 in Hong Kong. The session will provide an overview of ongoing efforts by global and regional bodies to involve younger generations in the design, governance, and future development of the Internet.
Course Title: Participating in the Internet
Link: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/participating-in-the-internet/2
Language: English
Educator: Jun Murai (Keio University)
Navigators: Mariko Kobayashi (WIDE Project) and Korry Luke (Keio University)
