The internet is a powerful place for communication, discovery, and the creation of new ideas. However, the internet is also a place where disinformation, opinion, and a malaise of negativity often cloud our interactions. In short, the internet is a paradoxical “double bind.” Whether you believe that technology is a force for good, a force for bad, or somewhere in between, the fact of the matter is that the internet is in nearly every facet of our lives.
No matter what topic you choose, or the exact medium you choose to create in, you will also need to our sources will help you find more information about your topic, but keep in mind where your information is coming from. Is it accurate or perhaps biased? In other words, I want you do the thinking for yourself, but let the internet help with some of the heavy lifting.
Choose a topic, research that topic, and create a project that explores said topic using a combination of different sources.
Find a minimum of EIGHT sources. THREE of which must be peer reviewed or scholarly sources.
Create an annotated bibliographyLinks to an external site. for your sources.
Utilize peer interaction and peer review to edit and improve your project.
So, many of you may be asking—just what kind of project can I create? What are the parameters, or form, that this project should take? Here are some options:
A traditional academic research essay (2000 words). An essay like this should take the form of a typical research essay—the presentation of information in a fluid, well constructed paragraphs with appropriate usage of evidence. This option is perhaps best suited for the in- depth evaluation and analysis of a novel, historical figure/event, etc. This is essay should be formatted according to MLA guidelines.
An internet “think pieceLinks to an external site.” essay (2000 words). What’s an internet essay you ask? Here’s another exampleLinks to an external site.. An essay of this sort is well suited for a writing about various forms of media and the internet itself. The use of hyperlinks within your prose allows for more immediate interaction with songs, internet clips, images, etc, while at the same time documenting your sources and presenting information to your reader(s). The format for this essay is fluid depending on your subject, but in general you want to aim for clear progression of information.
An audio/visual composition. This medium is suited for those who are adept at various forms of audio and visual technology. A composition of this type could take on a variety of forms: a series of photographs(~ 20 pictures/slides) composed on a particular subject, a video or film(~5-10 minutes), a podcast (~10 minutes). Keep in mind that if you choose this option, you still must complete an annotated bibliography. Your A/V composition will expound on your sources using your preferred medium.
Have another idea? I’m open to other forms of composition, including the use of of social media in “composing” a project about a given topic. If you have an idea for project that doesn’t fit into the forms listed above, let me know. This option will still require an annotated bibliography.
Regardless of what kind of project to choose to research and create, your focus should be as much on process as product—or, to quote McLuhan, “your medium is your message.”
