Class Assignment

"Online Learning is Growing on Campus"
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/us/05college.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=web%20dorm&st=cse

The article examines how, in the University of Florida, one Dr. Rush's economic lectures are streamed over the internet. This is explained by the 1,500 students enrolled at one time in a single class, internet streams being the only way for such a large number to see the lecture. We could discuss in class how students may react to the proliferation of online lectures and courses for alternative college students and normal students alike. Are online lectures welcome in a university like CU? What pros and cons?

"Instant Messaging Addiction Among Teens in China"
http://rpucolo.colorado.edu/ebsco-web/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=105&sid=15de93b3-ab0e-491f-b351-05590f645556%40sessionmgr113&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bth&AN=45633789

China, with comparable communication technology to Western nations, apparently sees a phenomenon known as "IM addiction". This addiction causes social alienation, stunted social skills, and difficulty in academics. Although there are countless cultural and contextual differences between Boulder students and students in China, it would be interesting to see how many people are on Facebook chat, say, during class time, and if this may qualify for addiction.

"Social Networks that Matter: Twitter under the Microscope"
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0812/0812.1045v1.pdf

The article suggests that there is a loose correlation between people with many friends and the number of posts of the user. It also suggests that there are two "spheres" of twitter friendship, those of close, actual friendship, and the more distant follower followee of fans, stumblrs, and the like. The research suggests that the former is cause for tweets more often than the latter. It would be interesting to examine those who ARE active in the tweeting community, how many friends they have, and their tweeting frequency.