New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Computer and Information Science Department (CIS)
CIS677: Information System Principles, Spring 2000
Professors: Michael Bieber and Catherine Campbell

Weekly Chunking Assignment - Version 1.4

Goal

To help you think carefully about and better understand all of the readings. This will really prepare you for the class discussion.

(1) DUE EVERY SATURDAY EVENING:

Your chunking entry for each article will contain two chunks, two justifications and 2-3 discussion questions:

1. For each article assigned, choose 2 "chunks" of text that are most meaningful to you.
   For each chunk, write 1-2 full paragraphs explaining and justifying why you chose that chunk, i.e., why it was meaningful for you. 2-3 sentences is not enough. Take the time to make thoughtful and insightful explanations.
2. Compose 2-3 insightful discussion questions arising from the reading.

--> Where to post your chunking entry:

Go to the WebBoard chunking conference for your last name. Select the head entry for the article. Add your chunking entry as a *reply* to this head entry.

--> Chunking Entry Format:

• topic: the subject should be the first few words of your first chunk of text.

• the title of your article
• your name

• the actual text of the chunk #1
• page number(s) for chunk #1
• why this chunk #1 was meaningful for you (1-2 full paragraphs)

• the text of the chunk #2
• page number(s) for chunk #2
• why this chunk #2 was meaningful for you (1-2 full paragraphs)

• two or more discussion questions that arise from the reading or chunks

(2) DUE EVERY MONDAY EVENING:

1. Reply to one of the existing chunk comments, or to another reply, saying something interesting (and hopefully insightful)
2. Optional: Add additional replies to existing chunk comments or to other replies

--> Reply Format:

Be sure you reply to the actual chunking entry that you are replying to :-)

• Use the "reply/quote" option when you reply. Erase all of the old comment except the portion you are replying to.
• Topic: change the subject to reflect your reply's content

GRADING:

• We will grade you on your regularity and entering chunks and replies on-time.
• Your peers will grade you on the quality of your comments.

We will grade the chunks twice during the semester. Forms will be posted on the class Web site. You should be filling out the chunking record form weekly.

CHUNKING QUALITY:

Note that the quality of your chunks does not arise from your background in IS.

Your chunking comment can:

• be based on your own experiences with IS as a professional
• be based on your own experiences with IS as a user or simply a member of society
• relate the chunk to a prior reading from class
• relate the chunk to a reading from another class or in the trade press
• relate the chunk to current news items
• relate the chunk to your feelings about its topic
• reflect an ideal situation or fantasy
• etc.

This page: http://www.cis.njit.edu/~bieber/CIS677S00/chunking.html