Web Platform Essay

Instructions Essay Question: Choose one Web 2.0 platform discussed during module two and analyse the
extent to which this platform has changed the way people communicate and collaborate.
Of the Web 2.0 platforms and examples discussed in Module 2, the following is the pre-approved list of
platforms from which you can choose the subject for your essay: blogs (in general), wikis (in general), The
Wikipedia, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram and YouTube.
You can write about a different platform, not pre-approved, but only once you have discussed this with your
tutor and have their approval at least a week before the submission date. You’ll likely write a better essay if you
choose a platform that interests you, so do take the time to ask your tutor if nothing on the pre-approved list
appeals to you.
Note: Facebook is a complex social network site offering numerous options for communication and
collaboration. This makes it difficult to write about within the relatively short word count of this essay, so it does
not appear on the pre-approved list. If you are particularly interested in writing about Facebook, please run this
past your tutor at least a week before the submission date and discuss with them how you will focus your
essay. This essay asks you to analyse one of the Web 2.0 platforms that you have examined in the unit,
looking in particular at how that platform has changed the way in which users/participants both communicate
and collaborate. Given the context in which you’re examining these technologies, it’s a good idea to think about
how Web 2.0 in general is thought to indicate a shift in the character of online interactions and use these
changes to help think about your chosen platform. You will probably find some of the readings/viewings
provided by the unit are useful as sources, but you should also seek out other sources to support your essay’s
argument. You might find examples of communication and/or collaboration through the platform you’re writing
about to illustrate your argument, but please ensure you also locate credible scholarly sources which are
appropriate for the platform you are addressing and the broader academic context in which you are examining
that platform.
Keep in mind that your essay should include a fully formed introduction and conclusion, be written in paragraph
form, present a clear argument and meaningfully engage with readings/viewings linked from the unit content as
well as other credible scholarly sources you have located. You must clearly indicate all sources informing your
essay using in-text citations, with full details for each source you’ve cited in a clearly marked list of References
at the end of your assignment. Your in-text citations and full references should be given in APA version 6.0
style.
You will be assessed on how well your essay: l Presents a clear, coherent and concise argument l
Demonstrates understanding of key concepts in Internet communication and collaboration l Relates conceptual
understandings to the practical implementation of communication and collaboration tools online l Engages
critically and meaningfully with relevant unit readings l Selects and incorporates relevant secondary material l
Follows conventions of referencing (APA), grammar and expression appropriate for academic writing.