Reading Reflections

CS 6470: The Design of Online Communities
Professor Amy Bruckman

Due:15 minutes before every class (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 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. 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. Late reflections are not accepted, unless you have an approve excuse (such as illness or another reasons approved by the Dean of Students Office). Work due in another class is not accepted as an excuse. You may not use "late days" for reading reflections.

Your reflections are due on Canvas 15 minutes before class (12:15 pm).

If you add class late, we will accept the first reflection until the time of the due date of the second reflection. This is the only reflection that is accepted late, and only if you added class late.)

The final reflection is due a day early, so I can read them all before class.

If you hand in your reflection a day or more early, I may read it before class.