Predictive Analytics Reflection & Writing
Submitted by: Yelena Baishanski (Math, Engineering, & Computer Science)
Course: Math and the Modern World (MAT107)
Themes: Reflection, Integrative learning, Social pedagogies
Context & Reflection
The following assignment was developed for MAT107 – Math and the Modern World, a course that introduces students to topics not traditionally covered in core mathematics sequences at two-year colleges, and explores applications of the mathematical tools encountered. This first, introductory assignment had several aims: to encourage, through peer sharing and interaction, individual engagement in a developing group dynamic; to promote integrative learning by complementing class exercises in pattern-identification with readings highlighting its current roles and uses; and to initiate students to the active development and transfer of knowledge through multi-step commentary, discussion, draft and revision.
After several classes and exercises in which students were introduced to inductive and deductive reasoning and practiced finding and formulating patterns in a variety of contexts, they read a recent article outlining some of the current aims and means of such analysis of data, "How Companies Learn your Secrets" (Charles Duhigg, New York Times Magazine, Feb. 16, 2012). The article prompted vivid responses, both in commentary on the course ePortfolio and in follow-up class discussions. When students were asked to develop and defend a position in a formal argumentative essay—was the power of "predictive analytics" described in the reading a boon or a threat to society?—initial drafts provided the opportunity to clarify the writing task. In guiding students to argue a claim, discussions in the revision process related the concept of "argument" to ongoing class investigations of mathematical "proof."
Assignment
READING AND REFLECTION DUE MONDAY, 3/12
1) Read the full article "How Companies Learn Your Secrets"
2) For Monday 3/12, please use the following prompts to brainstorm a written response to the article and post it in the comments box below (click "show comments"):
- What general feeling were you left with after reading the article? (excited? dismayed? worried? thrilled? other feelings, or a combination of feelings?)
- Which facts, if any, surprised or shocked you?
- Write down everything you can remember from the article in one sitting.
Now go back and skim over the article once more, underlining the key topics addressed in its different parts. (Had you remembered all of them?) Try to summarize each part in a sentence or two (pretend you are summarizing for a friend), and include your reaction to each. What does this summary of the article and your reactions lead you to conclude? Is the growth of "predictive analytics" a positive development for society, or is it a threat?
Your initial posting should be at least 200 words. It will be a "building block" for your 500-word essay response to the article.
NOTE: PLEASE WRITE AND SAVE YOUR RESPONSE AS A WORD DOCUMENT BEFORE POSTING IT... DO NOT TYPE IT DIRECTLY INTO THE COMMENTS BOX (An unexpected technical glitch may entail the sudden and irrecoverable loss of all your writing!)
ASSIGNED READING
"How Companies Learn Your Secrets"
ADDITIONAL (AND SHORTER!) RELATED READING
WRITING TASK #1 - DUE MONDAY 3/19
Massive developments in digital communication, computing power, data-storage and analysis have led to our time being called "the Age of Information" or "the Age of Big Data." Indeed, the patterns detected in near-unlimited data streams, and the mathematical models built off of them, are now regularly used to anticipate nearly everything—from the Tuesday-night selling price of cocoa beans in Bolivia, to your next expected purchase at the corner drugstore.
After reading the article "How Companies Learn Your Secrets", you had the occasion to reflect on companies' use of statistical analysis and mathematical models to shape consumer habits. Please develop your reflection to describe what you perceive to be the advantages and/or harms presented by companies' widespread use of "predictive analytics." Your essay should be at least 500 words, clearly structured around a few (2-3) central points, with a recognizable introduction and conclusion. Your central points should be supported with material from the article (and/or the additional related readings below).
You are encouraged to hone your ideas against your classmates' comments on the reading (click "show comments" at the bottom of the page); to use the grading rubric for the essay; and to visit the Writing Center for help structuring and focusing your work (B200, Mon.-Fri., 9am-9pm). Please post your essay on YOUR ePortfolio by Monday evening. Should technical difficulties arise, please email me.
ASSIGNED READING
"How Companies Learn Your Secrets"
ADDITIONAL (AND SHORTER!) RELATED READING
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