COM3704

New Media Technology Assignment

ASSIGNMENT 01 – SEMESTER 1 – 2025

100 marks

ASSIGNMENT 01

Table of Contents
COM3704.................................................................................................................................................... 1
MAIN INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................................................................2
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT......................................................................................................................... 2
Mark allocation for Assignment 01.....................................................................................................3
The correct compilation and sequence for Assignment 01 are as follows:.............................3
Assignment submission checklist:.................................................................................................... 3
Overall technical presentation [10 marks]................................................................................ 4
Declaration of own work........................................................................................................................6
QUESTION 1: NEW MEDIA AND THE INTERNET ESSAY [45]...................................................7
Instructions: Keep the following in mind when answering this question................................7
QUESTION 2: NEW MEDIA AND CYBERCRIME ESSAY [45].......................................... 8
Instructions: Keep the following in mind when answering this question................................8

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SEMESTER 1: ASSIGNMENT 01 2025
COMPULSORY FOR EXAMINATION ADMISSION

MAIN INSTRUCTIONS

1. You must read all your learning resources BEFORE you attempt this
assignment.
2. Read the recommended documents below in conjunction with the
recommended book and Tutorial Letter 501 before you answer the questions.
3. The assignment consists of two long questions. Answer both questions.
4. The technical presentation of your assignment is of the utmost importance and
contributes 10% to your assignment mark. See the instructions on technical
presentation in Section B below.

ASSIGNMENT FORMAT

5. You must adhere to the general rules related to the overall presentation of
assignments.
6. Your presentation should not contain language, spelling or typing errors. You
should also avoid using personal forms of address unless you are specifically
required to do so.
7. Use headings (and numbering, where required) in the correct format.
8. You must adhere to the format, structure and stylistic requirements set for each
piece of writing, as indicated in the relevant assignment question. If you fail to
follow these guidelines, you will lose marks.
5. The assignment must contain a personal declaration that the work you have
submitted is your own. (You must use the declaration form provided on page 8,
below.) If you DO NOT submit the declaration, or if it is incomplete or not
signed, you will receive 0% for your assignment.
6. The declaration must be signed by both you and a witness and is a legally binding
document. As Unisa is a distance education institution, you must submit your work
online. Therefore, we accept typed signatures and e-signatures if you do not have
access to a scanner.
Where no declaration is attached, or if it is incorrectly worded or has not been
signed by both you and a witness, you will automatically receive 0%. However, in
keeping with Unisa’s Tuition and Learning Policy, you will receive feedback on
your work.
7. The declaration and all the documents it refers to will also be made available on
myUnisa at the beginning of each academic semester.
8. The downloadable version of the declaration is available in PDF or MS Word
format. You must fill it in and submit it with each assignment/portfolio and non-
venue examination portfolio. NO OTHER DECLARATION IS ACCEPTED.
9. As this tutorial letter is in PDF format, the links and embedded documents may be
“inactive”. However, if you access it as an MS Word document on myUnisa, the
links and embedded documents will be “live”.

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 Mark allocation for Assignment 01

MARK ALLOCATION FOR ASSIGNMENT 01

TASK DESCRIPTION MARKS

Question 1 New Media and the Internet Essay

45

Question 2 New Media and Cybercrime Essay

45

Overall technical Declaration, table of contents, overall

10
presentation introduction, the overall conclusion, and
the sources consulted
Total 100

The correct compilation and sequence for Assignment 01 are as follows:

 Cover page
 Declaration of own work submitted
 Table of contents
 Introduction
 Body of assignment (answers to the assignment questions in the same order that
the questions are presented in)
 Conclusion
 List of sources consulted

Assignment submission checklist:

The following is a useful checklist to use before submitting Assignment 01.

1. Did I read the instructions in Tutorial Letter 101?
2. Did I peruse Tutorial Letters 101 and 301 thoroughly?
3. Did I study all the study materials and online resources as indicated
for each question? (TL501)
4. Did I include the CORRECT and COMPLETE declaration?
5. Did I sign the declaration (or did I type my name and that of the
witness)?
6. Did I include my student number in the declaration?
7. Did I check the rubric for each question before completing each
answer?
8. Did I submit my assignment as one PDF file?

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 Overall technical presentation [10 marks]

1. Ensure that this assignment complies with the departmental requirements for the
technical presentation of assignments.
2. The Department of Communication Science has specific formatting guidelines to
which you must adhere precisely.
3. Consult Tutorial Letter 301 (CMNALLE/301) for extensive guidelines on technical
presentation. Read and take cognisance of the section on plagiarism.
4. Additional guidelines, specific to this course, are provided on myUnisa.
5. The technical presentation criteria applicable to Assignment 01 are as follows:

MARK ALLOCATION FOR TECHNICAL PRESENTATION

TASK DESCRIPTION MARKS
Declaration The assignment must contain a personal
declaration that the work you have submitted is
your own. The declaration is available in Tutorial
Letter 301 (CMNALLE/301) and on myUnisa,
under Additional Resources. If you DO NOT
submit the declaration, or if it is incomplete or not
signed, you will receive 0% for your assignment.
Table of contents The table of contents must correspond with the
numbering, headings, and subheadings in the 2
assignment. Supply the correct page numbers.
Introduction to your You must include a single introduction to the
assignment assignment. It should begin with a short
description of the topic. The introduction should
not be longer than one paragraph.

Conclusion for You must include a conclusion for the whole

assignment assignment in which you give a summary of what
has been discussed. Do not introduce any new
information here – simply summarise what has 3
been done. The conclusion should not be
longer than one paragraph.

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Proper referencing You should ensure that all sources consulted are
of sources cited in-text and properly formatted according to
consulted the Harvard referencing style. 2

Total 10

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Declaration of own work

DECLARATION OF OWN WORK

I, (NAME and
SURNAME) confirm that:

 This ASSIGNMENT contains my own, original ideas and work

 Those ideas, or work, that are not my own have been cited using the
prescribed referencing system which I have familiarised myself with in
TL CMNALL/E/301
 I have not submitted the ideas or work contained in this assignment for any
other tertiary education credit.

Policy on Research
Ethics.pdf
 I have read the University’s Policy on Research
Ethics
 I have read and understood the PowerPoint presentation on plagiarism
(available under Additional Sources on myUnisa)
 I have familiarised myself with the library guides on Plagiarism and Ethics
offered by Unisa’s library: https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-
support/plagiarism
 I have read and understood Unisa’s Policy for Copyright Infringement and
Plagiarism and I am aware that plagiarism is punishable in terms of the
Copyright Act Act 98 of 1978. I have also read the regulations of the University of
South Africa in this respect, which are available online at:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/corporate_web/Content/Apply%20for%20admissio
n/Documents/Policy_copyright_infringement_plagiarism_16November2005.pdf

STUDENT NUMBER

SIGNATURE DATE

WITNESS NAME DATE

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QUESTION 1: NEW MEDIA AND THE INTERNET ESSAY [45]

Write an essay in which you critically discuss the topics below:

1.1 New media and the Internet play an exciting role in teaching and learning. Discuss the uses of
the Internet and new media in higher education, specifically in the context of distance education
institutions such as Unisa. (30)

1.2 The Internet plays a critical role in all spheres of our daily lives and people use the Internet for a
wide range of individual purposes. Explain the reasons why people use online facilities and provide
practical examples. At least THREE (3) online facilities should be discussed with TWO (2)
examples of each.

Instructions: Keep the following in mind when answering this question

Apart from taking account of how closely you followed the question and assessing the
actual content of your answer, marks will also be awarded for the relevance of your
questions as they pertain to the TOPIC. You will also be graded on the correct use of
format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar in your writing.

Remember the following:

 Write in a formal tone and organise your answer logically and coherently.
Remember to present your answer in essay format. Do not write in point
form at all.
 Have an appropriate title, a relevant introduction, and a suitable conclusion.
 Your essay should be between 900 and 1300 words in length.
 The use of ChatGPT (or any other similar programme) is completely
forbidden. If you are found guilty of using such a programme, you will be
awarded 0 for this question.
 Marks will be deducted should plagiarism be detected. Where large portions of the
text have been plagiarised, you will receive 0% for this question and may be
subjected to disciplinary action. Read and make sure you understand all the
information on plagiarism and academic writing in Tutorial Letter 301
(CMNALLE/301). Therefore, you should ensure the following:
o The information utilised in your essay must be paraphrased and correctly
referenced in-text and in the list of sources consulted.
o You should utilise all the recommended study material.
o Cite all sources consulted in-text and in the list of sources consulted,
including tutorial letters, the study guide, the recommended book and
additional resources. Place the list of sources consulted at the end of the
assignment.
o Use the correct referencing techniques in the text of the assignment and
the list of sources consulted.
o Reference all study material correctly, as per the departmental requirements
outlined in Tutorial Letter 301 (CMNALLE/301).

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 o You may NOT copy and paste any material from any sources of information.

QUESTION 2: NEW MEDIA AND CYBERCRIME ESSAY [45]

Write an essay in which you critically discuss the topic of new media and cybercrime.
Your essay should cover the following topics:

2.1 With the aid of relevant examples, explain the meaning of cybercrime. (5)
2.2 The term ‘‘cybercrime’’ is often associated with cracking or malicious hacking of accounts and
computer networks. With the above statement in mind, discuss at least FIVE (5) different types of
cybercrimes and explain how they affect society. (20)

2.3 “Many countries have implemented cyber laws and cyber jurisdictions as a way of combating
cybercrimes”. In your own words, summarise the focus of any TWO (2) statutory laws applicable to
combat cybercrime activities in your country. (20)

Instructions: Keep the following in mind when answering this question

Apart from taking account of how closely you followed the question and assessing
the actual content of your answer, marks will also be awarded for the relevance of
your questions as they pertain to the TOPIC. You will also be graded on the correct
use of format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar in your writing. Remember the
following:
 Write in a formal tone and organise your answer logically and coherently.
Remember to present your answer in essay format. Do not write in point form
at all.
 Have an appropriate title, a relevant introduction, and a suitable conclusion
 Your essay should be between 800 – 1200 words.
 The use of ChatGPT (or any other similar programme) is completely
forbidden. If you are found guilty of using such a programme, you will be
awarded 0 for this question
 Marks will be deducted should plagiarism be detected. Where large portions of the
text have been plagiarised, you will receive 0% for this question and may be
subjected to disciplinary action. Read and make sure you understand all the
information on plagiarism and academic writing in Tutorial Letter 301
(CMNALLE/301). Therefore, ensure the following:
o The information utilised in your essay must be paraphrased and correctly
referenced in-text and in the list of sources consulted.
o You should utilise all the recommended study material
o Cite all sources consulted in-text and in the list of sources consulted,
including tutorial letters, the study guide, the recommended book and
additional resources. Place the sources consulted at the end of the
assignment.

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o Use the correct referencing techniques in the text of the assignment and
the list of sources consulted.
o Reference all study material correctly, as per the departmental requirements
outlined in Tutorial Letter 301 (CMNALLE/301).
o You may NOT copy and paste any material from any source of information.

@UNISA – 2024

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