Your first task is to pick a topic to research. Since digital literacy is the subject of the course, as a broad guideline you should choose a narrowly-focused topic that is related to the digital world and phrase it as a question. The specific topic that you choose is ultimately up to you. However, topics related to elections should be current. (See notes in “About this Week.”)
The following are some sample topics– you can use them as a model, but should formulate your own specific, narrow topic:
In what specific ways is [Politician X] using social networking in his/her/their 2020 Presidential campaign and how does this differ from how other politicians are using it?
How is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez using Instagram in her role in the United States Congress? How is it effective and how might it be problematic?
How does the digital divide affect residents in [name of country, city, rural area, etc.]?
Step 2: Research your Topic
One approach to the research process is to ask Who, What, Where, When, and Why questions in your search. Put the answers to these journalistic questions into a short piece written as if you were a reporter.
Step 3: Write the Mini-Essay
Once you have completed your research, you will write a 500-word essay (this is the equivalent of 1-2 double-spaced pages). This essay must:
Include a relevant image in addition to the text of the essay;
Be based on the research you did for this assignment