- Kenneth A. McNett
Statement of Purpose
December 2009 - As technology trends toward real-time communication across all devices, many people hope for their online dialogues to mimic the alacrity of face-to-face conversation. Yet, in my professional work, I have noticed varied resistance to the newest services that would accomplish that wish, resulting in both positive and negative consequences for companies and non-profit organizations.
- I hope to pursue doctoral research about the effects of the adoption or non-adoption of online collaborative technologies. Specifically, I intend to focus on real-time document sharing services such as those offered by Google Docs, Google Wave, Windows Office Live, and independent open-source projects. The Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania is the ideal environment to cultivate my ideas and allow me to leverage the necessary resources to answer my questions:
- Which entities most benefit from real-time collaboration? What advantages are maintained by an organization that refuses to go to a synchronous cloud? Will large social networking platforms introduce simultaneous editing as a standard? What would happen if every document on the internet had the option to be shared collaboratively? How does a team best compensate for the inability of one of its members to work in a real-time environment?
- Aside from Dr. Hampton, who is an unmistakable choice as a mentor for my research into new media, allow me to highlight two additional professors whose work is also complementary to my intended focus. Since increased real-time information sharing will likely change the way in which people associate content online, studying with Dr. Turow would help me explore the effects of link creation and cross-references in rapidly shifting content. How should we reconcile links that have their targets frequently edited or relocated within a shared document? Must link placement in group work be unanimous? Additionally, noting the collaborative approach he used in gathering ideas and essays for his Hyperlinks project, I would like him to influence the methodology that I will employ in my investigations.
- With the rapid growth of internet communication technologies, I think we will see live collaboration in media more technically advanced than spreadsheets and text documents. Given his connection to the Visual Communication Laboratory, Dr. Messaris would be an ideal support to me in my research. What would result from online strangers mixing a song together, making a short film, or jointly cutting video footage for breaking news they just discussed via Twitter? I would hope for help in exploring the qualitative consequences of real-time multimedia editing.
- Ultimately, my career goal is to teach at the university level, so I would also like to be influenced by Dr. Messaris and other professors who harmonize with his viewpoints about learning by doing. In all of my teaching opportunities—from sharing life skills with strangers in Brazil, to instructing high-level professionals about computer technology, to coaching street performers in comedy workshops—the sparks of knowledge have burned brightest when my students were able to put principles into practice. I hope to sharpen that approach while I am a teaching fellow at UPenn.
- As a demonstration of my zeal for applying technology-based collaboration, this essay itself is the result of collaborative editing. I invited the online community to make edits and comments in an open forum I created at kennymcnett.com/mystatementofpurpose. Since this is ultimately a personal essay, I took care to remain the sole author of each draft and I was in complete control of what advice I incorporated. The community commentary was enlightening and I invite you to visit the website to survey the process.
- In my professional and volunteer work, I have led hundreds of people spread across California and beyond. I have developed shared communication infrastructures for them and given guidance about new technologies, enabling distant teams to work together in the face of demanding deadlines. Through my artwork and public performances, I have culled valuable lessons from diverse forms of group collaboration and communication. Indeed, my life experiences have led me to identify my passion. However, I have learned for myself as a first generation college graduate that the key to pursuing my passion is more than identification; the key is education.
- I look forward to continuing my education, perpetuating my passion for communication, and contributing to the field of collaborative technologies under the banner of the Red and Blue.
UPenn v3
Posted at 3:08 am on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Words: 721 • Gunning-Fog: 16.3, Flesch-Kincaid: 13.4 • Readability (Flesch): 34/100
So the website says you want input from “all over the country”. Well now you have it from all over the world. :-)
1.December 2009 – Is that the date you are submitting? Maybe put the semester you are applying for?
2. Cool
3. Take out “hope” and be more assertive. “I am interested in performing doctoral research…” I want, I plan, my goal. I like how you laid out your plan of study.
4. I don’t understand all these terms and questions, but I would say just be sure they are all connected. You don’t want to seem like your research focus is too big and unreal to research.
5. Maybe use the professors’ full names the first time you mention each of them. Great to demonstrate you have read and understand their work.
6. Again, nice.
7. Good to bring in some of your past experiences and highlight additional skills. Is it ok to say “UPenn” rather than the whole name?
8-9. Very nicely done. Shows your enthusiasm for the program.
Viel glueck!
Kenny,
As one who is not educated much above a high school level, I was able to read this application and understand almost all of what you were expressing. Some of the vocabulary and technology wasn’t in my brain but I could get the gist of what you were saying. Are those reading the essay knowledgeable in tech words?
Like Ashley, I would like to see you use more decisive words. For example, ” I hope to pursue” seems like you are willing to try but are not sure you are going to make it.
P6: Is it okay to be ‘influenced’ by someone? What if you do not agree with them? Would ‘taught’ (or similar word) be better?
Keep up the great writing! One of these universities will see that your desire to make the professional world a better place and that you will make a difference in technology and will grab you up!