Topic

Handouts

Q & A

Grade

Computer Science Department

University at Albany

Web Site Reviews

 

The subject material that reflects the social impact of computing today is, more often than not, found in web sites. The phenomenal growth of the World Wide Web has prompted new appreciation for the potential of computers and networks to foster communication, relief about access to otherwise difficult to retrieve information, satisfaction with or consternation about the relatively unrestricted content available on the web, anxiety about the blurring of lines that separate print and electronic media, etc.

Using the web site that you have "drawn" in the class lottery, prepare a 4-5 page description to the web site.

Describe the site's content and put that into context with the issues discussed in this course. You may also benefit from conducting a bit of research about the site or, more typically, about the organization that the site supports.

You should summarize the web site and review any issues that are raised there. You should also think about these critically. For example, how do the issues discussed in the web site relate to the subject materials we have discussed in class? For example,

• What is interesting about it? Why?

• What materials are available there? Is the site current?

• How can they be used by you or by others? Does this site appear to have "a point of view?"

• If applicable (depending on the web site you review), describe how it could be used in this course or in education generally.

Do not report simply on what's available page by page. Instead draw attention to strengths and weaknesses (and what is missing). Speculate as you go too. How does this site fit in with the topics of this course. As with your other writing assignments, remember to give details and examples. Do not assume your reader is familiar with your topic. Remember, you are not sitting at a screen and guiding us through a demo; you are talking about the overall experience and social utility of the web site. In other words, have fun with your subject.

One Page Synopsis / Abstract

In addition to the 4-5 page review, provide a one-page summary of the web site, no more no less. Unlike other assignments where you are invited to be expansive in your analyses, you are limited to one page in this assignment. . This "one pager" should provide the highlights of the longer review and may require a re-write too. Typically, it's more difficult to write briefly than expansively. This tests that premise.

Graphics

You must include one or more graphics in the larger paper (but not in the abstract / one-page summary). This can be an illustration copied from another source (a screen shot, for example, a logo, chart, whatever). It can also be an original illustration that you designed to fit the context.

Handouts

You are responsible to report back to the class the relationship of the web site to the topic under discussion. To do this efficiently, please supply copies of the one page summary for each member of the class on the date the assignment is due.

Q&A

Finally, be prepared to answer questions about the web site you review and the issues that are raised by this site.

Grade

Your review is graded for three elements: informational content (what you report about the site), economy of selection (how judiciously you choose what is important to discuss about the site), and style (how well you express yourself). You also recieve a second grade on the one page summary.

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Last updated: 1/24/11