Overview

Our class focuses on Information systems, which are overwhelmingly systems allowing to store and retrieve data to transform it into information (in meaningful and useful ways) . We have begun to see how embedded in pretty much every aspect of our lives those Information systems are. The prompt for our first critical thinking paper is as follows:

As far as Information Systems are concerned, how would you answer the question "Are you being tracked?".

For this first assignment, I will give you two hints:

1) The answer to this question is a resounding "Yes".

2) DO NOT limit yourselves to cookies in internet searches. Go beyond internet; Go even beyond computers and cellphones for a passing grade.

Now, based on what was exposed in class (including the sections approaching ethics) as well as your own research, find as many ways as possible where tracking could be taking place where technology is involved. Providing explanations of why that tracking is being done would be advisable also.

Directions

Be sure to read all directions prior to getting started with this activity.

Part I - General Requirements

1. Always remember that this type of assignment is meant as a crossover of several chapters' material, and ties different concepts together to understand the dynamics actually at play in our modern world.
2. The minimum requirement for the critical thinking assignment most be 600 for the text (The count does not include student information, paper title, works cited etc.) Please note that most be 600 are a strict minimum, not a guideline or a limit. It may prove difficult at times to cover the subject properly using the minimum number of words.
3. Remember to always look for sources to cite when you make an argument in your written assignments. As already mentioned in point #2, citations are expected to follow the general guidelines for MLA, both when used in text and when present in 'works cited'.
4. Every critical thinking written assignment has for goal to bring the student to do some personal research and connect dots to bring a 'bigger picture' regarding our class material. It is not an essay about how one feels on a given subject, but a critical thinking exercise.

Part II - Writing the paper

1. Review the "Critical Thinking Paper Rubric" below to be sure that your submission has met all the criteria for this assignment.
2. You must incorporate MLA formatting conventions when paginating this project.
3. You will always need a "Works Cited" page as well as in-text citation.