CS 492/692 - Winter 2017 - Assignment 2

The Internet is Open

Description

Assignment 2 is due on Thursday January 19 at 10am. It should be roughly 750 words in length and is worth 5 marks.

The Internet was designed as an environment that is open, where all can contribute, share and learn. In this opinion piece, reflect on whether the openness of the Internet has turned out to be a desirable or an undesirable feature, in your view. Comment briefly as well about where you think the Internet should be headed in the future, with respect to openness. Pause to reflect on both sides of the viewpoint, before explaining your final conclusion on the matter. Throughout, try to examine the origins of your opinions and support your position with facts and reasoning.

You may find that the topic is simply too big for the amount of space that you have, and in order to say anything meaningful you may have to restrict the scope somewhat.

Purpose

This, the second of our short assignments gets you used to expressing an informed opinion in an area where there are no clear answers, no agreements on terms, and the present, let alone the future, is difficult to pin down. It will take some effort on your part not to lapse into cliche or catchphrases, and to avoid simply repeating the arguments of others.