Peer to Peer File sharing

Introduction | The Task | Resources | The Process | Learning Advice | Conclusion

Introduction

        Companies like Kazaa and Morpheus have sprung on the Internet in the last few years. They have become wildly popular because they allow you and I to get the music we like and load it onto to our computer for free. Recently however, music and recording companies have filed lawsuit against people like us. They say that it is illegal to share files. They claim that the copyright laws which are designed to protect the work we do and our creativity are being violated. Not surprisingly, many disagree and claim that it should be their right to download music. This looks to be an issue that is going to the center of controversy for a while. the outcome will affect computer users like us for  along time.  

The Task

          Your assignment is to develop a research paper, 800-1100 words in length that describes Peer to peer file sharing and examines the laws that govern it. You will also look at the different opinions of people with expertise in this area. As a result of your research you must clearly state your opinion and develop an argument with documented support that promotes your opinion.

Resources

The Websites below represent a selection of sites available for you to begin your quest of understanding Peer to Peer File Sharing

The Process

1.  Introduction

a.   The purpose of this is to acquaint you with the task ahead and the value of the skills and information that you will encounter.

b.   One of our goals in this assignment is to get you to think about how technology can change our perceptions of what is right and wrong. What are the rights of consumers like us and artists and performers. How does our behavior impact others? Look at the copyright laws and see what they say. Are they current or should they be changed to reflect the new reality that we have with technology?

c.       At the end of this project, you will know how to research a topic, and create a high quality report or paper, complete with the information necessary to make your reader understand the topic.  In addition, the paper will be properly formatted, which to (will) allow your reader to verify and explore information given. This is a vital skill you will use repeatedly in your years here at Ellington, and on into college, if you choose to go.

2.  MLA Works Cited lesson (modeling and production)

a. Believe it or not there are several different ways to record the various places you found your information.  Regardless of the format, showing where you got information – citations – is very important in any research you will ever do.  Not showing where you found your information is the same as claiming that you created it yourself – which in the world of great ideas is the same as THEFT!  This is called plagiarism, and it’s not allowed. 

b. The two main types of formatting references are MLA (Modern Language Association) which is used mostly for English and Humanities papers. The second method is APA (American Psychiatric Association).  MLA is the format we will use. One goal of this activity is to provide you with the skills to provide credit and verification for ideas and information that forms the basis for your thesis statement. The following link will help you format according to to the proper guidelines: http://www.biblio.org/ellingtonmiddle/research.htm 

3.  Website Evaluation Sheets

a. This will provide you with a tool to assist you in evaluating their sources and recording the data necessary for proper citation.  Follow the format on the sheet and you will have enough good information for a great paper! You must turn these in with your Works Cited list!

4.  Paraphrasing

a. You will learn to interpret information in a manner that is understandable to yourself and others. Putting information into your own words will enhance your control of it and make your paper more easily read.

5.  Writing process

a. The introduction of the steps of the writing process will give you a chance to see the logic of the systematic approach that is embodied in the format.

6.  Inspiration Use (graphic organizer)

a. This lesson will show how to use a software program that will allow you to organize their information so that you can begin to see the connections within it.  This lesson will allow you to become familiar with a software program designed to organize information and uncover the connections within it.  

7.  WebQuest (Content Specific)

a.   The purpose of this section is to engage you in the actual collection of information. This format allows you to find information efficiently because it provides websites that are relevant to the topic. This format allows you to locate information efficiently by providing websites that are relevant to the topic.

b.   You are encouraged to share intriguing information and good sources.

8.  Thesis Statement development

a.   This stage will synthesize the information into a guiding statement for the writing of the paper.

b.   You will develop a thesis statement that reflects your personal interest in the topic.

9.  Sequencing

a.    You will spend time organizing the information into a logical progression so that the thesis statement is carried throughout the document. This process will result in an outline for your paper.

10. Paragraphing

a.   You will identify and separate the main ideas and approach them as quasi-independent entities.

11.  Rough Draft

a.   You will pull it together into a single coherent document

12.  Edit and revise

a.   Refine your document.

13.  Final Draft

a.   You will pull all of the elements together in a final publication.

14.  Review of research process

a.      We will reflect on the content and information that supports specific interpretations. I want you to explain what you think to the class and be prepared to defend your opinions

Learning Advice

The key to any project is your effort. In a project such as this, you will be able to find an abundance of information that will make the issue clear to you.  Read carefully and make notes as you look at those who agree with you and those that do not. I recommend that you share the information, ask each other questions and talk over what you find.

The goal here is to show how well you understand File Sharing and the effect its legal status has on the Artist and the consumer. Should it be legal? Is it right? And how should we solve the controversy in the fairest way possible?

Conclusion

                   At the end of our paper, we will sit down and share our findings with each other. Be prepared to defend your position, if challenged. We may all come to the same conclusions, but most likely some of us will see something that the rest did not. I look forward to seeing those different opinions!

        Rubrics

NAME___________________

Annotated Works Cited List

Student      Teacher

I.                 Library Resources (5)

a.   Use of your own sources (3)                   ____      ____

b.   Ct Digital Library, etc. (2)              ____      ____

II.            Internet Resources (7)

a.   Variety of Websites (2)                ____      ____

b.   Current information        (2)           ____      ____

c.   Evaluation Sheets (3)                       ____      ____

III.        Balanced Sources (5)

a.   Documents supporting position (2)  ____      ____

b.   Documents opposing position (2)    ____      ____

c.   Bonus Point (1)                                 ____     ____

IV.              Rough Draft Works Cited List (8)  

a.      Correct Citations (5)                        ____        ____

b.      3-4 Sentence Description (3)                ____        ____

V.                 Thesis Statement (5)                              ____    ____

NAME___________________

Outline

Student      Teacher

VI.        Introduction (4)

a.   Thesis Statement (3)                           ____      ____

b.   Grabber (1)                                             ____      ____

VII.    Factual Information (4)

a.   Objective and verifiable (3)                 ____      ____

b.   Supportive of Opinion (2)                   ____      ____

VIII.           Opinion with Support (4)

a.   Quote supporting position (2)           ____      ____

b.   Additional support for position (2) ____       ____

IX.         Personal connection (4)              ____       ____

a.   Affect on your life or friends (2)        ____       ____

b.    Connection to greater issue (2)        ____      ____

X.             Conclusion (4)                                  ____    ____

NAME___________________

Rough Draft

Student      Teacher

XI.         Introduction (5)

a.   Thesis Statement & Grabber (3)            ____      ____

b.   Preview of reasons (1)                             ____      ____

XII.    Paragraphs (5)

a.   Paragraph for each major idea (3)           ____      ____

b.   Minimum of 4 sentences  (2)                  ____      ____

XIII.            Organization (4)

a.   Reasons are connected to thesis (2) ____      ____

b.    Logical progress to conclusion(2) ____               ____

XIV. Mechanics (6)             

a.   Word choice (2)                                ____               ____

b.    Parenthetical citations (2)                ____              ____

XV. Works Cited (2)                          ____              ____