Possibly a dumb question...Looking for thoughts on this however

[Hoarach]

Im taking a summer class at a community college to save some money and cover some requirements at the college I am a full time student at.  This is an Intro to Computers class, yea its a joke and find it a complete waste of time and money as most these days know how to use a computer, but it covers my computer credit requirements.  This class is also an online class which imo makes it better for me so I dont have to waste physical time in a classroom.  Well on with my dilemma.

Well I have a huge thing that personally I dont agree with.  One of this weeks assignment is to make a twitter account and find a random person and have a conversation with that person.  After having the conversation, the professor wants us to post the discussion to her and have a discussion about the experience on a message board with the rest of the class.

Now my thoughts is that I should not have to join a social network if I do not agree with it nor should I have to have a conversation with a person I dont know or post my discussion to everyone else to read.  Personally I think this is an invasion of privacy and against my rights to be forced to do something that I dont agree with.  I myself do not agree with myspace, while some may have it, it is something I dont agree with nor join it.  I do, however, have a facebook which I think I have more control over.  Facebook at least I can keep my account private and know who is seeing it and knowing that what I send to others is to others that I know.

My question is that should a professor have this kind of control to force us to join a social network that personally someone might not agree with or think it is a violation of privacy?

I know this shouldnt be considered a big deal but Im having strong feelings against this.

You are definitely welcome to give me criticism or tell me that Im overreacting or being just a whiner...just looking for thoughts.

[edog1977]

I don't see how this assignment furthers your understanding of computers.  Sounds more like an exercise for a sociology class than a computer class.  I would have a discussion with instructor if it means that much to you.

[lowZX14]

It doesn't further your understanding.  It just proves that your professor is an idiot who's a follower.  Tell him if he wants to see your computer prowess give him the link to the bbs and tell him to go download and play AH, nuff said.  I had an Intro to Computers class once, it was about as useful as I am productive at work, where I am typing this right now, about 10% productive.

[moot]

Dupe it.

[Apeotomy]

So... You are taking a class at a private university, paid for by your own money, being instructed by a private individual working for this private company, and you feel your rights are being violated?

No sir, this is not how it works. if you do not wish to complete this course for a degree, then you are not being forced by the state to do so, you however do have the right to discontinue taking this class.

[Hoarach]

So... You are taking a class at a private university, paid for by your own money, being instructed by a private individual working for this private company, and you feel your rights are being violated?

No sir, this is not how it works. if you do not wish to complete this course for a degree, then you are not being forced by the state to do so, you however do have the right to discontinue taking this class.

Its at a community college not a private university.  Community colleges are not private.

[Apeotomy]

I'm pretty sure "community colleges" around here are simply subsidiaries of larger colleges.

Either way, he is working towards a private degree and must complete the requirements that the "degree makers" have put forth.

[Hornet33]

OK real quick. Get a buddy of yours to start an account with you EDIT: preferable a woman friend (how is the teach going to know right?) have a great discussion on the use of ballgags, riding crops, and the best place to purchase bulk silk rope, and shackles, the proper way to use a safe word, and the advanages of buying peanut butter in bulk, use your imagination, and take THAT coversation into class for discussion.

If the teach is going to make you do something stupid at least have some fun with it, and mess with the teachers head. Maybe you'll save other people down the line from having to deal with this stupid stuff.

That's what I would do, but I'm also slightly twisted so take it for what it's worth.

[edog1977]

On second thought go with Hornets idea.

[Mickey1992]

I like Hornet's idea too.  Post the convo here when you are done.  Preferably with a pic of the other conversationalist.   

[Hornet33]

Make a video of the classroom when your discussion comes up. I'd LOVE to see the teachers face if you brought this idea into class

[Getback]

It may be an assignment related to computer safety/security.

[RightF00T]

Just FYI...Myspace has privacy settings just like facebook, but I don't think anyone really uses myspace anymore

[Hoarach]

It may be an assignment related to computer safety/security.

Nope not related to security at all....

Quoted from opening line of assignment:
"It is not uncommon for us to hear about politicians "twittering". Are you wondering what a twitter is? Well visit the next website to read about WHAT it means to twitter and then take 5 minutes to watch the video clip from the "The Daily Show" to see a humorous view on just how it works. "
The actual assignment:
"The best way to understand how twitter works is to sign up for it yourself and give it a try. Even better, find a friend to "twitter" with and share your experience here on the discussion board. Send me a twitter when you do this at MomofBTS. If you would like to share your twitter name send an email to everyone."

Has no teaching whatsoever about computers just how to use twitter.

Its an online class so unfortunately I cant see the teacher's reaction.

[Dago]

Have fun with it, give your professor a copy of one of bloodninjas conversation with a woman, tell him your online name is bloodninja, make some pirate growl, and walk away.