Group Project
(25 marks)
Description:
(Virtual) Reality: In groups of 3-4, you will create a 4-6 minute multimodal video/presentation which offers a critical analysis of technology by engaging with the question: What is reality in a technologically mediated society? The goal of this assignment is not simply to answer the question, but to engage technology in creative (and subversive) ways to highlight how technology enhances and skews our understanding of the social world. The subject matter is up to you, but you must submit your proposal and get approval before you begin.
For auditory learners, these videos provide an audio version of the text.
For auditory learners, these videos provide an audio version of the text.
Stage 1: Proposal 10 marks
You will be given one full class to meet with your group for planning purposes. I will be available during this time to answer any questions you might have. If you do not attend this class, please be sure to follow up with your group about what decisions were made. At the end of this session, you should have completed a rough draft of your proposal, which you will submit no later than Friday, Week 5 at 4:00 pm.
Your proposal will be graded based on the following:
Attendance at the group meeting day (2 marks).
Outline a specific question you want to answer in your video/presentation (2 marks).
Explain what format you will use (video of a skit, story telling, animation, stop motion etc). Include a discussion of what technology you will use and what technology you will critique (2 marks).
Outline why you have chosen this format, and why you have chosen the tech tools you have chosen (How will your project benefit from your choices? What do these choices offer that other formats might not? (2 marks)
A breakdown of how the work will be divided and how contact will be made/maintained (2 marks)
Stage 2: Final Execution Due Friday before Midnight in Week 11
The presentation/video that your group creates should be collaborative. While it is possible to complete this project in a very short period, the expectation is that you will spend considerable time planning, editing, and fine-tuning your presentation. Although it is a short video, the expectations are high. It is expected that your presentation will offer a sociological critique of technology that takes into account the themes in the course.
Your grade will be based on the creativity of your final project, the content of your video (sociological critique), the research you have done (include a full bibliography), and how well you work with your group. See the breakdown of the grade below.
For auditory learners, these videos provide an audio version of the text.
Assessment of Execution: 15 marks
Your assessment is worth 15 marks. All members of the group will be graded on the overall project, and on individual engagement with the project based on self and peer evaluations.
Overall project
Creativity/Risk (how did you engage with technology? Did you play it too safe?) (2 marks)
Execution (how successful was the execution? If your film/video was filmed entirely on your phone, was not edited or enhanced in some way, is hard to understand, etc, your execution grade will not be strong (5 marks)Ω
Content/Message (5 marks) how successful were you in getting your message across? What sources informed your view (is your message backed up academically?) Hint: if you do not include sources/references, it is not.
Group engagement: (3 marks) How well did you work together? It is not expected that every member will contribute in exactly the same way, but each group member’s strengths (we all have them) should be utilized and their weaknesses (we all have them) should be improved upon. Discuss in your group what each of you sees as your strength and weakness. Discuss how to best utilize everyone’s strengths. Discuss weaknesses too. Take advantages of opportunities for growth! Can someone with a strength in one area help a group member with a weakness in that are to become better/more confident? Each group member is required to hand in a 1-2 page reflection that outlines their engagement in the group as well as an assessment of their group members. Do not simply write a list of what you DID. It is expected that conflict may happen. How did you handle it? How did you support your group and how did they support you?
For auditory learners, these videos provide an audio version of the text.
For auditory learners, these videos provide an audio version of the text.
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