Since we will be reading Tim Berners-Lee's book about developing the WWW, we will begin with a short essay (3-5 pages) in which you explain your understanding of the impact of the World Wide Web (or the Internet in general). You may consider how the WWW has changed your field of study, or how it has affected society in general. What benefits has the web brought? What problems has it created?

The purpose of this essay will be explanatory, the audience will be the class, and the scope will be limited to your own experiences and knowledge. Research is not part of this assignment; in fact, this assignment will establish a kind of "baseline" for your later research.

The essay will be graded on organization and clarity, not on your understanding of the WWW or the Internet.