Reading Reflections

CS 4472/6470: The Design of Online Communities
Professor Amy Bruckman

Due:24 hours and 15 minutes before every class (Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:15pm), unless otherwise noted on the syllabus. To be handed in on Canvas.
Format:Double spaced, 12 pt. font
Approximate Length:Two pages
Percentage of Grade:25%

For every class, you will hand in a one to two page "reading reflection." The reflection may focus on one reading for the day, or may connect themes from multiple readings. Connecting the reading to the assigned online site for the day is encouraged, but please do not write primarily about the online site. If you choose to write about just one reading, please include a short paragraph about each of the other readings and the online site (~three to four sentences) so we know you read/looked at it.

Please include a short paragraph about the online site, if one is assigned, so we know you looked at it. You may also relate the online site to the readings, if relevant. Please do not make the online site the primary focus of your reflection.

What did you find interesting about the reading? What are the key issues the reading raises? What are the importance and broader implications of those issues?

This is not a summary of the reading. Please reflect on it. Tell us what it means. Relate readings to one another, or to the online site for the day. We are looking for insight.

Although you may write about shortcomings of the reading, you are discouraged from doing so. It is easy to tear pretty much anything apart, and is not necessarily a productive exercise. Even if you mainly disagree with a reading, the more interesting question to ask yourself is: what about this was valuable?

This assignment is intended to encourage you to do the reading before class for every class, and to help you to think carefully about the reading. They are due a day early so that I can read them before class. This is instead of having a final exam in the class.

Grading

Your three lowest reading reflection grades (including zeros for not doing one) will not be counted. If you hand in your reading reflection after the due date but before class, you will get a three-point late penalty. After class, they are not accepted. You may not use "late days" for reading reflections.

Please hand in your reflections on Canvas, 24 hours + 15 minutes before class (Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:15 pm).