First, Brian analyzed Gordon Graham's explorations of anarchy on the internet. Anarchy, of course is normally considered a "bad word" and even a dangerous concept. If Anarchy means that "all hell breaks loose", then it is not something to encourage. On the other hand, anarchy can mean lack of government control. The internet is not a national phenomenon, owned by any one country, so individual government control on "their" part of the internet will not work. We can place physical border guards at physical border crossings, but internet information travels freely. There is no international internet police. Yet, scams, spams and (there must be a third word rhyming with scam!), bullying, and other inappropriate and even illegal activities need to be addressed. Graham worries that a moral anarchy can ensue, which will benefit no one. Just like our city streets can become locations for shootouts, so the internet can become a haven for criminals. These activities can completely take over the internet such that no one will dare go on or even care. The implications for pedagogy are profound, if such elements take over and drive out the good. If you don't think that that can happen, look at the world of modern television, a site of so much intellectual promise, and yet a field that has long ago been dubbed "a vast wasteland." Will the internet become in its time another wasteland? Or an unequaled educational resource? Even if the negative elements do not succeed, we may still be left with a bland, uninteresting site for nothing in particular. At worst, a gloomy picture.
The second paper discussed was by Rothenberg, a professor who feels that the quality of student research papers is declining precisely because students are resorting to simple "cut and paste" methods that produce seemingly breadth, but no depth. One negative (and anarchic) result, of course, is the phenomenon of purchasing papers online and submitting them. One site advertises
It is now possible to earn an accredited degree on the basis of work and life experience you already have and receive your degree in just 5 days! No Studies, No Attendance, No Waiting, No Examinations, No Hefty Fee.
(www.affordabledegrees.com/?engine=adwords!4589&keyword=%28phd+on+line%29&match_type=). (search "affordable accredited degrees")
The hands-on component of this class was an hour looking at a Course Management System called Nicenet. This no-cost, user friendly allows teachers to plan a course featuring a variety of elements including content posting, web links, and discussion forums.
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