Research Methods for my Web Writing Paper

My research paper will investigate whether people use the web for medical advice. I plan to use brief, individual surveys to gather this information. I intend to survey a wide variety of people, from different age groups and occupations, to get a broad range of responses. In addition, so far I have found one similar professional survey that has been published online. I will compare these results to mine. Finally, I will also visit some popular medical websites to see what information is available to web surfers.

Interesting Topics for my Research Paper

I have been considering topics to use for my research paper. Following are two possibilities.

Idea #1: Is it dangerous for people to turn to the web for medical advice? This is an area that has grown along with the popularity of the web. It is much easier and cheaper to search online for the answer to a medical question. Because the information is so readily available and doesn't charge a co-pay, I expect that more and more people will check websites before making doctors appointments. I have done it myself several times. But it is safe? Is the information correct?

Idea #2: The availability of online degrees is another difficult area that has been created by the development of the World Wide Web. Are online degrees good or bad for the academic community? How can an employer or grad school know when a degree program is legitimate? Are there circumstances where an online degree is better than a traditional degree?

Thank you. Thank you very much.

September Notes

I've been attending class for 3 weeks now and enjoy it very much. Well, maybe not the homework (jk!). And while we have been enjoying good weather and living our regular everyday lives - the states of Louisiana and Mississippi are struggling with major destruction from Hurricane Katrina. It is unimaginable living through such destruction. Every morning I am thankful for my hot shower and bowl of cereal with cold milk. It is terrible to see all of those fellow Americans suffering - especially the elderly and babies. In addition, hopefully someone will be able to help the cats and dogs who are stranded or trapped in damaged homes.

The Beginning

This is my first ever blog entry. I am returning to the college classroom after many years and have started with a Special Topics in Writing class - specifically Writing for the Web. I have spent the last hour and a half trying unsuccessfully to link my FrontPage home page to the UD server. I finally gave up and decided to initiate this on-line diary instead. I am excited about this class. I know very little about setting up or maintaining web pages. I think expanding my knowledge in this direction will help advance my career. I mostly surf web pages looking for the perfect vacation spots! And that would be anywhere that includes an ocean view.
To be continued. Susan