Representation+of+Technology,+Margorie

How is technology depicted in I-Carly? , Marjorie Thomas ** Research Question/Rationale ** : How is technology depicted in I-Carly? When it comes to teaching children and teens about the benefits of using the Internet and technology I want to figure out if I-Carly downplays or promotes the usage of the Internet and other technology. I also want to figure out if I-Carly teaches children and teens the proper way to use the Internet and other technology. When we viewed the episode in class and when we discussed it afterwards I came to the conclusion that the show does a great job at presenting the positive aspects of using the Internet and technology, but they did not really explain anything about what happens if you use the Internet or technology incorrectly. I also want to explore if this television show focuses too much on the Internet and technology in general and what happens when children and teens have an overload. ** Methods ** : Online and library research/ content analysis. Using key words, databases, review of the greatest hits, best sources, and analysis

** Step-By-Step/Work Plan ** : My plan begins with using online and library research. I will also use content analysis. I will obtain the information to help me best answer my research question about the television show I-Carly. I believe most of my research will be coming from online essays and scholarly journals. I want to find information that discusses the effects of the Internet and technology on children and teens today, both positively and negatively. I will also be watching more episodes of I-Carly to help me with my content analysis. By watching more episodes it will be easier for me to examples of different scenes that will help me in supporting my research. I will be focusing on the ICarly website and how it depicts technology and especially how its user-generated content features technology. I want to find out if the people who use the website use the technology and the Internet access correctly or incorrectly. I like the idea of focusing on user-generated content and looking at how children use the website. Of course, it's carefully monitored so inappropriate uses are not going to be findable. A close careful look at iCarly episodes will be very useful -- and you should be able to identify some interesting patterns in how user-generated content is depicted. You have the green light!