Welcome Message from Dr. Hirsh to MOOC Participants

Greetings,

On behalf of the School of Information at San José State University, welcome to the Blockchain and Decentralization for the Information Industries MOOC! I am so pleased you are participating in our school’s MOOC program. We are excited to bring this online course to you for free as part of an IMLS grant to investigate blockchain technologies and as part of our school’s ongoing commitment to foster lifelong learning for our global communities.

The Blockchain and Decentralization for the Information Industries MOOC will introduce the technologies behind Blockchain, outline guidelines for how and where Blockchain might be used within the information professions, discuss other related emerging systems, and generally make participants more capable of critically evaluating claims and services regarding Blockchain.

Our school prides itself on being an early adopter of technology, integrating it into how we deliver our educational programs, as well as in the master’s-level courses we teach. A recognized leader in online education, our school offers three exclusively online master’s degree programs: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA), and Master of Science in Informatics (MSI). In all courses, students learn how to use emerging technology. Many electives specifically focus on technology, such as courses in data mining, web analytics, digital libraries, information vitalization, and mobile applications.

Our school also offers an exclusively online Post-Master’s Certificate in Library and Information Science aimed at working professionals who want to update their skills and knowledge in one of eight career pathways, and a Digital Assets Certificate focused on the practical skills needed to integrate and manage an increasingly complex body of content like born digital, newly digitized, and Web 2.0 models of user-generated content, and make all of it accessible to users. Additionally, our school offers a plethora of online professional development and continuing education opportunities like our i.School Open Classes program, Library 2.0 virtual conferences, webinars, and more.

Based in Silicon Valley, our school continues to inspire innovation in the information profession worldwide. Serving as investigators for research projects, our award-winning faculty members contribute their expertise as scholars and educators in areas as diverse as big data, informatics, cybersecurity, information governance, and knowledge management. I invite you to learn more about our school and how we can help you achieve your educational goals. Go to https://ischool.sjsu.edu/.

Enjoy the Blockchain and Decentralization for the Information Industries MOOC! I wish you success and hope you’ll stay involved with our school.

Sincerely,

Sandra Hirsh, PhD
Professor and Director
School of Information
San José State University