Weekly Journal Instructions
Objective:Â The weekly journals are designed to help you progressively build the components of your final digital ethnography project while encouraging active engagement with the course readings. Each journal entry will focus on a specific aspect of your research, pushing you to reflect critically on your observations and the theories we discuss in class. These journals will also serve as a space for you to express any surprises or frustrations with the weekly readings, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
Format Options:Â You may choose to submit your weekly journal in one of the following formats:
- Written Document:Â A one-page text document (approximately 300-400 words).
- Audio Recording:Â A 3-minute audio recording, in which you verbally discuss the prompt.
Submission:
- Platform:Â All journals must be submitted through the eLearning platform by the designated due date each week.
- Due Date:Â Weekly journals are due by [Insert Due Date Here], typically on Thursdays.
Journal Content:
- Section Development for Final Project:
- Each journal prompt will focus on a specific section or component of your final digital ethnography project. For example, you may be asked to describe the cultural practices you’ve observed, reflect on how the platform influences interactions, or connect your observations to a particular theory.
- Your journal entry should include a clear and concise response to the prompt, demonstrating progress in your project and thoughtful integration of class readings.
- Use this space to draft parts of your final report, experiment with ideas, or outline your analysis. These entries will help you accumulate material that can be directly used in your final submission.
- Reading Reflection:
- In addition to responding to the specific journal prompt, include a brief reflection on the week’s readings. Focus on something that surprised you or frustrated you. This could be an idea that challenged your assumptions, a concept you found difficult to grasp, or a connection between the reading and your project that you hadn’t considered before.
- Engage critically with the text, considering how it relates to your research and observations. If you found a reading particularly challenging or unclear, use this space to explore those difficulties and consider why the material was challenging.
Grading and Feedback:
- Consistency and Completion:Â The primary criterion for journal grading is completion and engagement. As long as you submit a thoughtful response each week, you will receive full credit for the journal entry.
- Progress and Reflection:Â I will provide brief feedback on your journal entries, focusing on how well you are progressing with your project and your engagement with the readings. This feedback is intended to help guide your thinking and ensure you are on track for your final submission.
Important Reminders:
- Weekly Prompts: Every Thursday, a new journal prompt will be posted with specific instructions for that week’s entry. These prompts are designed to help you build your final project in manageable steps, so be sure to stay on top of them.
- Use Your Journal:Â Think of your journal entries as building blocks for your final project. The more effort you put into them, the easier it will be to compile and refine your final submission.
Example Journal Structure:
- Introduction:Â Briefly restate the journal prompt and how it relates to your project.
- Main Content:Â Address the prompt in detail, using your observations, research, and readings to develop your response.
- Reading Reflection: Discuss something surprising or frustrating from the week’s reading and how it relates to your ongoing research.
- Conclusion:Â Summarize your thoughts and indicate how this journal entry will contribute to your final project.