Final Paper

The final project is no longer a group project. Instead, it is now an individual-based project. The current final project has only one component: A 45-page paper (excluding the title page and references).

Your goal is to 1) use technology creatively to 2) do something prosocial or good for society and 3) to convince investors that your technology is a good idea. If you are struggling to think how your idea is beneficial to society as a whole (not individuals, companies, etc.), then it is not appropriate for this assignment.

More specifically, you will come up with a new use of communication technology to benefit society. This project should NOT just be a report on how existing technology is used to benefit people. You must creatively apply existing technology in a new way or propose a new technology based on feasible advancements. If you have questions about whether or not your idea is appropriate for this assignment, please ask me.

You will write a paper that fully explains your ideas.

Idea Brainstorming

Here are some different ways to start brainstorming:

Think of broad social issues that need addressing. We dont live in a utopian world; whats wrong with society? What problems do we need to fix? What inequalities or injustices do you see? What fires you up?
Think of an audience or group of people that could use help and reasonably benefit from a technological approach. For example, Paro is a stuffed animal/robot that has been used to provide comfort for elderly patients with dementia. There are several competitions for video games devoted to positive social change in a variety of areas, such as water conservation, responsible financial behavior, or protecting your privacy online.
Think of as many technologies as you possibly can. Think creatively beyond just websites, apps, and social media.
Good ideas have manageable and creative uses of technology; a clear yet creative goal; and a clear target (i.e., who it is you will help). Hint: Im going to teach the world by making a Facebook page about X is not a good idea by any of these parameters.

Paper

The final paper will be due for ALL by 2am April 29th. For those graduating this spring, I need to post your final grades by April 30th so please make sure to submit your final paper on time.

The paper will be approximately 4-5 pages (a little longer or shorter is fine) and cover: 1) evidence that your chosen focus is a social problem that needs addressing, 2) a description of your technology, and 3) evidence that your technology will be effective at helping the social problem. This last section should discuss affordances of your technology and theories that can contribute to our understanding of your technologys impact.

This paper should be written in APA format with APA-style citations. You must include no fewer than 5 peer-reviewed journal articles outside of course readings.

A potential outline for the paper may be: Introduction, Focus Area & Target Audience, Technological Means, Theoretical Reasoning (keep in mind this should apply to your tech choice as well as the approach in your content), Anticipated Outcomes, and Conclusion. Remember to justify your arguments with scientific research, not crap by some self-proclaimed technological guru, wizard, ninja, or expert. Note that 90% of the time, a website is not an appropriate source for justifying your arguments. Use credible, scientific sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles).

Grading

Your final paper is worth 90 points.

Generally, the project will be graded on the following: effective use of appropriate technologies, accurate information presented in an appropriate manner, appropriate theory application, quality of submitted final paper, and creativity.

READ THIS CAREFULLY: If you want a more specific break-down of how letter grades will be assigned, consider the grading criteria below. Please note, you must meet all of the requirements listed below to earn that particular letter grade. So, a grade of A is not possible if your work has multiple errors such as typos or grammar mistakes. This is meant to be a challenging project. You must go above and beyond expectations to earn an A.

A: All work is outstanding. Work is rich, creatively presented, well-structured, and error- free (or close to it). Content of presentation is accurate, on topic, presented in a professional and highly engaging fashion, and provides genuine enlightenment to the audience. Work reveals a deep understanding of the content of the course as well as the ability to work with concepts beyond the level of simply regurgitating facts and definitions. Overall, work demonstrates a solid grasp of all content and a high level of ability for creative, integrative, or intellectually rigorous application of the material.

B: All work is of high quality. Work is clear, well-structured, and largely error-free. (Grades of A and B are not possible for work that does not demonstrate mastery of basic writing skills including spelling, grammar, organization, and logic). Work conforms to all required elements, as well as maintaining the audiences attention and interest. Content demonstrates a thorough understanding of all elements of the course. Overall, work demonstrates a solid grasp of all content, and some ability for creative, integrative, or intellectually rigorous application of the material.

C: All work is of acceptable, average quality. Work is on topic, responds to the requirements of the assignment, and is not rife with errors. A grade of C is not possible for work that demonstrates significant departure from basic writing skills (spelling, grammar, etc.) Work addresses the requirements of the assignment and includes some elements of good style and structure. Content demonstrates a basic understanding of most elements of the course. Overall, work demonstrates a reasonable grasp of all content, but limited ability for creative, integrative, or intellectually rigorous application of the material.

D: Some work is of unacceptable quality. Work addresses the topic in a broad sense, but misses some key points or contains an unacceptable level of errors. Work addresses the assignment at a basic level, but lacks fundamental elements of professional presentation, structure, or organization. Content reveals some key areas of the course material in which knowledge is lacking. Overall, work demonstrates a weak grasp of content and little ability for creative, integrative, or intellectually rigorous application of the material.

E: A majority of the work is of unacceptable quality. Work fails to meet the basic requirements of the assignment, lacks basic elements of professional presentation, or is otherwise unresponsive to instructions. Errors are probably frequent. Content reveals a widespread lack of knowledge. Overall, work demonstrates little grasp of the material.

*These grading criteria were adapted from materials provided by the University of Arizona Department of Communication and from Dr. Jesse Foxs course materials.