Dan A.: Exploring the correlation between video games and virtual communities
Argument: The learning principles of video games are enhanced in online environments, and this enhancement may account for an increase in the number of online gaming community members.
I really like the idea of affinity groups and civic involvement as well as pointing out the possible oppositions with this including violence correlation and causation. If I understand it (and my notes) correctly, I think community building and learning through this is a good focus.
Mike P.: cybercrimes, real vs. virtual
There was an enormous amount of information in your presentation. I think you should narrow it down and focus on one particular aspect of cybercrime including your own personal experience as back up. You're on your way to a good paper.
Lee K.: YouTube’s unique roles – political activism and the perpetuation of hate
Although I can see your point of view with this topic, I was a little confused as to how your argument ties into some of what we discussed this semester. Perhaps focusing on what are YouTube’s policies and rules on posting and filtering and how this factors into your topic? I wasn't quite sure exactly what your argument was.
Angel A: Bridging the digital divide by using the concepts of video games and education
Students need to become actively involved in learning how to use new technologies which can be accomplished by applying the concepts of video games in education.
Why video games?: by using video game concepts students much become active problem solvers. They learn thru advancement.
I think your information is well thought out and you are on your way to a good paper. I especially like your DYN example and think that finding similar successful examples of how this is positively affecting education would be great backup!
Derek N.: Bridging the gap: mobile phones and the digital divide
I like where you were going with this and think you have some solid examples of how the gap is being bridged by the cheaper and readily available mobile phone movement. Although there will still be accessibility issues, mobile phone technology definitely helps!
Kristin D.: Program Hope: addressing the issues of access knowledge and safely on the internet
Wow! I mean, like, WOW! Great presentation and a totally feasible idea that with further tweeking could even be pitched to the State of Washington as a viable and positive way to educated our youth to digital/technological/Internet responsibility. Wished I had thought of it!
Brent R.: Online activity and involvement changes us and the world we live in culturally
Although you have some really good stuff in your presentation, I have to admit it sounds a bit like everything we've been talking about all semester. Tweek your argument a bit more and perhaps site some opposition to your position on your topic.
Cynthia J.: Race and Ethnicity online, representations in cyberspace
I'm surprised nobody else has touched this topic, so you have major props for trying to tackle it! I like your examples of ethnic magazines extending themselves online and trying to draw in minority groups to even the playing field of white/male dominance. I don't have any great advice other than good luck. I would be interested to read your final paper. Great topic.
Alright, folks. Wish I had more for you but I'm all blogged out. Good luck on your papers and thanks for sharing a challenging and great semester with me!
