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Reflective Essay Writing Assignment – “The Digital Divide” – (mission integration)

Read and watch the following articles and videos that discuss what is collectively termed the “digital divide”:

 Read the short article “ Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America ” by David Honig (Sept. 1, 2011).

 Read “ Massive Digital Divide in the Land of IT ” by Sujoy Dhar (Nov. 4, 2011).  Watch the video “ Digital Divide in Philadelphia ” (~5 minutes)

Write a 350-400 word reflective essay to describe your findings and feelings about the digital divide and other initiatives that exist or that you can dream up to addresses this concern. Rather than reporting facts, the aim of this paper is to get you to reflect on how this increased awareness relates to you, your ideas, and your experiences. Before you begin writing, take some time to contemplate the following:

 Have you or someone close to you been affected by the “digital divide”?  Who bears the responsibility to deal with this problem?  Do you think enough is being done to address this problem?

Be sure to follow the “guidelines for written work” section in the syllabus. A brief description of what this reflective essay should include can be found in Writing a Reflective Essay. This paper will be scored using a scoring rubric. Review it carefully prior to submission.

This report will count for 10% of your final grade. Adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style. This report will be graded in adherence to the following grading rubric.

Reflective Writing Assignment Rubric

NOTE: All criteria above are equally weighted.

5 4 3 2 1 0

C O

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a n

a ly

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Writing is highly introspective, supported by research and analysis, where appropriate. Ideas and conclusions are clearly, logically, and thoroughly presented.

Writing demonstrates a fair level of introspection and analysis. Ideas and conclusions are somewhat clear and logical, but at times waning and inconsistent.

Writing sorely lacks introspective reflection. Concepts, arguments, analyses, and conclusions are poorly connected.

SCORE

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C O

N T

E N

T

sy n

th es

is Uses specific and convincing

examples to support ideas and make insightful connections. Course concepts are correctly incorporated.

Discussion is vaguely supported with mostly relevant facts and examples. Course concepts are at times referenced inappropriately.

None or very few specific facts or examples used to support claims made. Relevant course concepts are improperly referenced or entirely omitted.

SCORE

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F L

U E

N C

Y

Terms usage is entirely appropriate to the discipline and topic presented. Words are used in a manner consistent with the English language in general. Strong and specific words are used to convey meaning.

Terms are used somewhat appropriately to the discipline and topic presented. Words are mostly used appropriately in English. Few redundancies in word selection. Voice is mostly appropriate for audience and purpose.

Inappropriate use of terminology, reflecting a lack of understanding. Words are frequently used incorrectly. Redundant use of limited vocabulary. Voice inappropriate for audience or purpose. Uses slang.

SCORE

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O R

G A

N IZ

A T

IO N

Writing is exceptionally well organized and shows a high level of flow and sophistication. Paragraphs are clear, and follow each other logically and conceptually. No extraneous information. Components are seamlessly connected. Transitions are smooth.

Writing is general organized, but occasionally lacks focus or direction. Organization shows a clear beginning, middle and end. Order is coherent, mostly logically and conceptually focused.

Writing rambles and is highly unfocused, detracting from readability. Paragraphs are largely incoherent, and are not connected logically or conceptually. Some components are missing or difficult to find.

SCORE

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M E

C H

A N

IC S

Proofreading is thorough. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are perfect throughout.

Grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation are inappropriate at times, but are not overly distracting.

Spelling, and/or Grammar, and/or punctuation are often poor.

SCORE

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L E

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T H

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F O

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A T

Complies entirely with all formatting and submission requirements, including:

 References  Page/word count  Cover page  File type

Complies partially with formatting and submission requirements.

Fails to comply with most formatting and submission requirements:

SCORE

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