PROJECT 3: RESEARCH PAPER
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your understanding of the following course concepts:
1. How companies or organizations and individuals use digital or social media to effectively communicate ideas, information, arguments, and messages to achieve a specific goal.
2. How digital or social media has transformed the communication of an idea, information, and arguments in society.
3. Access, analyze, interpret, and evaluate digital media to foster learning and to guide decision-making.
4. Make responsible choices in the creation and consumption of digital media based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts.
SECTION 1: SELECT ONE TOPIC FROM THE 12 TOPICS LISTED ABOVE
Answer the questions below:
Item 1: Which topic did you select? (listed below)
Item 2: Why does this topic appeal to you?
NOTE 1: Section 1 should be the shortest section of your paper (10-15%).
Topic selected:
Topic 5: Virtual Worlds and Their Impact on Society (Week 3)
Digital Nation: Life on the Virtual Frontier- Chapter 7 Virtual Worlds PBS Online Video Documentary Series – Start the video then Navigate to Chapter 7 (52:05 – 1:01:26) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/view/
SECTION 2: SUMMARIZE THE TOPIC YOU SELECTED USING CLASS RESOURCES
Discuss your topic as presented in class. This is a summary of all the resources used in class relating to the topic including online discussions.
Item 1: Summarize the information on the topic as presented in the class, using the Read & Watch resources
Item 2: Is the topic you selected relevant in a course on digital and social media? Whether you answer yes or no, justify your answer.
Section 2 Sources: Include the source(s) as an in-paper citation and on your References page.
NOTE 2: Section 2 should comprise (30-40%) of your paper.
SECTION 3: CONDUCT ADDITIONAL RESEARCH ON THE TOPIC
Provide additional information on the topic you selected by locating ONE new resource (in addition to the resources provided in class) to expand your knowledge of the topic.
Item 1: What additional source did you find on the topic you selected?
Item 2: Why is the source you found (a) relevant, (b) credible, (c) accurate, and (d) unbiased based on what you learned from Guide to Evaluating Research Sources? Address a-d in your answer.
Item 3: What new information did the source contribute to the topic as presented in class?
Section 3 Source: Include at least ONE SOURCE related to your topic that has NOT presented, discussed, or posted in the weekly Read & Watch in class or posted in the 15 topic list above. Include this source as in-paper citation and include it on your References page.
NOTE 3: Section 3 should comprise the majority of your paper (45-60%). This is where your primary focus should be.
