Reflection

After a series of related readings from the lectures, you will be given the opportunity to reflect on the readings and discussions for each week by writing a few short responses to given prompts. In this course, the reading responses are typically due by 5pm on Tuesdays of the following week they are assigned, after we have discussed the issues and explored the topics in class. This reflection is due on 2/24 at 5pm.

Note that the course staff are looking for your own thoughts on these topics. Writing in the first person, taking divergent viewpoints, and bringing in ideas from outside of class are what we are looking for. Write as if you are targeting a public audience. Particularly insightful or convincingly contrarian statements might be shared with the entire class in lecture or in the course slack.

For this week, you are to consider the following questions related to the ideas from the lectures What is Technology? and How Does Technology Shape Behavior?:

1. The Greek term Poiesis refers to a bringing forth, the act of creation. And our creations have the potential to not just be good, but enjoyable, beautiful, and communal. With this in mind, what is the software project you've worked on that comes closest to satisfying these traits?

2. On the opposite end of the design spectrum, Persuasive Design is a strategy used to influence human behavior through intentionally designed features, but not always in good ways. Give an example of a piece of software that contains a persuasive design feature that you do not like. Explain why such a feature is not your favorite thing.

Grading

Each reflection should be between 500 - 1000 words. It will be graded in terms of:

• Does the reflection address the prompt?

• Does the reflection reference the readings, videos, and/or class discussions to support the writing?

• Does the reflection exhibit thoughtfulness, creative expression, and an authentic voice?

• Does the reflection utilize proper grammar and a concise style?

• Is the reflection an appropriate length?

Review the grading criteria in the rubric for this assignment.

Submission Instructions

1. (For this first submission) Share a Google drive folder for this class with our TA Louisa (lconwill@nd.edu) and give her editor privileges.

2. Prepare a doc in that folder named using this convention: lastname_firstname_duedate. Example: Conwill_Louisa_100725

3. Submit the link to your Google Doc on Canvas.