Reflection Paper I
The purpose of this assignment is not to paraphrase the material from your textbooks and class notes (so keep the quotes to the absolute minimum unless you are asked to provide verbatim definitions). You ought to present your own understanding of these theorists, their ideas, and your evaluations of them (based on the readings). Make sure to answer ALL aspects of ALL the questions below. Reflection paper must be two and half pages long, typed neatly in double space, with size 12 Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins on all sides, and with no unnecessary spaces.
Additional Instructions:
Read the chapter titled “Surfing the Net for Community: A Durkheimian Analysis of Electronic Gatherings” written by Anne M. Hornsby (from Peter Kivisto’s book) or ( i can attach notes so you can use ).
Themes for Reflection Paper I – you MUST answer ALL FIVE questions
1) According to this reading what is ARPANET and how has it evolved since its inception? Discuss by citing specific percentage numbers from this reading as to how the access to Net has been changing in the United States? Also, demonstrate with the percentage numbers as to how there is a trend in equality in access to Net among various racial and ethnic groups. What are some of the reasons for such changes?
2) From this reading, provide verbatim definition of ‘digital divide’. How is the size and shape of digital divide changing? Refer to the Table 3.1 Global Internet Usage, focus on columns ‘Growth in usage 2000-2009’ and ‘2009 penetration by region’. Summarize the trends that you notice from these two columns. What are the differences you notice between [Europe/North America/Australia] on one hand and [Africa/Asia/Middle East/Latin America] on the other? Given these trends and differences around the world, what do these trends suggest and what could be the possible consequences of such changes?
3) According to Hornsby, what are the three types of electronic gatherings on the Net? Describe and discuss each of them in detail.
4) Based on this reading, provide definitions for the following terms: socialization, regulation, and integration? Provide specific examples as to how individuals get socialized, regulated, and integrated in their everyday lives. (Provide your own examples; NOT the examples from this reading).
5) Discuss various mechanisms of regulation employed on the Internet (make sure to discuss specific examples from the reading). Discuss various mechanisms of integration employed on the Internet (make sure to discuss specific examples from the reading). Provide examples from your own life, where you get to witness these mechanisms in action while engaging in various online activities.
