High Stakes Content
1.
Here’s a video in which I walk you through the assignment and some helpful
resources:
Introduction
In this formal, sourced, academic essay, you will revisit the framing text for the
course from Module 1: “The Information Ecosystem,” by Knute O. Berger and update
it for the contemporary/ present moment. Where Berger discusses the rise of cable,
telephones, and computers, you may focus on streaming, smartphones, and the
Internet. Essentially, you should describe the current information ecosystem to
include how information is created and shared as well as how information is
consumed.
Assignment
Essays should discuss any/all of the following:
o How the integrity of information changes when everyone has the ability to
create and distribute that information
o What new and emerging technologies are playing or will play an essential
role in information creation and consumption in the future
o How the information ecosystem today is better than it was in the past
o Dangers or pitfalls of the contemporary/ current information ecosystem
o Anything else you find interesting/ relevant
Sample Organizational Model
o Introduction: Your introduction may summarize the original article by
Berger. What was the information ecosystem like in 1989? How did Berger
feel about it? What were his concerns? Include a specific thesis that
summarizes how you believe the information ecosystem has changed in the
decades since.
o Body Section 1: Describe the benefits of contemporary information
ecosystem. Cite specific examples of new media and traditional media that
illustrate your points.
o Body Section 2: Describe the potential pitfalls of the contemporary
information ecosystem. Cite specific examples of new media and traditional
media that illustrate your points.
o Body Section 3: Discuss what you think the future might look like with
regard to information creation and distribution. What is happening now that
might set up the next radical change?
o Conclusion: Return again to the 1989 article and draw connections between
the current/ future information ecosystem and what Berger saw happening
in the late 80s.
Source Requirements
o “The Information Ecosystem” article from Module 1
o Two credible additional sources that support your argument. These sources
may be from academic journals, news publications, or even documentaries.
NCLive is an excellent source for credible sources. If you want to use a source
and you aren’t sure if it’s credible, please check it with me.
Grading Criteria
Your essay should be
o a formal, academic argument
o presented in MLA/ APA style (including a sources list)
o 750-850 words
Your essay may include
o visual components if they contribute to the written content in a significant
way
o more than three sources if necessary/ the content dictates as such
Resources
o “The Information Ecosystem” by Knute O. Berger (opens in new window):
The framing text of the course
o Purdue OWL MLA Style Guide
o Purdue OWL APA Style Guide
o NCLive/Ask a Librarian tutorial (help with research and MLA)
o MLA help tutorial
- High Stakes Content
