Kids Web Site Project

PSU 009.5 Fall 2002

Children’s Website Project—300 points

Each group will analyze a web site for kids based on the themes we have been discussing in class. Each group member must recommend a web site to his/her group. After each person in the group has looked at all the web sites, the group will choose one site to analyze (or a particular aspect of one site). The purpose of this assignment is to (1) give you more practice working in groups (which you will do throughout college and your career), (2) help you develop critical analysis skills, and (3) give you more practice making presentations.

Part One—Find websites: No later than October 30

Each group member must e-mail at least one possible website to the group with a brief paragraph explaining why you think this would be a good website to study. You must copy “cc” me with the e-mail you send to your group submitting your suggestion. Everyone in the group should look at all the choices and then discuss the choices as a group.

Part Two—Choose a website: No later than November 13

After discussing the possible choices, each group must choose a website no later than November 13. You must send an e-mail to the entire class announcing which website you are analyzing. First come, first served! Send your e-mail to the class as soon as your group has decided!

Part Three—Paper: Due December 4 (150 points)

Write a 3-4 page, typed paper analyzing your group’s web site. Make sure you include the URL (address) of the web site. As you discuss the web site, make sure you address the following questions:

· Is the website geared toward boys or girls (or both)?

· Does the website follow the same gender and race distinctions that Seiter observes in TV commercials and cartoons?

· How does the website portray adults, school, etc.?

· If you had kids, would you want them to use this website? Why or why not?

· What are the positive and negative aspects of the website?

In other words discuss how you think Seiter would analyze this website. Is this website a good example of the key points she makes or does this website break those conventions? Use should include plenty of examples from the website as supporting evidence of your main points, but the paper should focus on analysis, NOT description. You should discuss these ideas AS A GROUP, but each paper must be written INDIVIDUALLY. Make sure you follow the guidelines for written work.

Part Four—Presentations: December 4 & 11 (150 points)

Each group will have 15 minutes to present its website to the class. We will have a computer and projector so you can show the website to the class as you make your presentation. The presentation should be a synthesis of the key points from your analysis.