You will receive information on how to use the WebCT class discussion tool. The reason for this activity is because the process allows unique control of a communication medium and presentation of the self within that medium. This assignment has three parts.

PART I. Initial participation in the discussion will be anonymous. During this time, you will have opportunity to talk with your colleagues, on-line, about the issues raised and no one will know from whom responses are coming. This period will last approximately four weeks. (I will signal to the group when the time for anonymous participation will end.) Your task during this phase is 1) make a minimum of four contributions of three lines or more on-screen to the on-line discussion, 2) to monitor closely your own feelings about presenting your ideas anonymously; 3) examine closely how you write on-line during this period; watch how you respond to anonymous others. You will include AT LEAST ONE JOURNAL ENTRY REGARDING THIS EXPERIENCE during this period of time. (Be sure to identify these entries in the journal as relating specifically to your online experience.)
(Directions for posting anonymously.)

PART II. During this period, you will continue to participate in the discussions, but will sign your name to your contributions. This portion of the discussion also will last approximately four weeks. During this period, each student will be required to make at least six contributions of three or more lines on-screen. Your task during this phase will be 1) to closely monitor your presentation of your ideas when you must take credit for them in a public forum. 2) Examine your writing patterns, your tone, the amount of material you contribute, and the nature of your responses to others. You will include AT LEAST ONE JOURNAL ENTRY REGARDING THIS EXPERIENCE during this period of time. (Be sure to identify these entries in the journal as relating specifically to your online experience.)
 

PART III. Using your observations (drawn from your review of your journal entries), write a 2-3 page analysis of the impact of the electronic medium on your presentation of self. Explore how the diffusion of this media innovation does and will impact habits or norms of presentation of self and resulting social interactions.