Monday, December 9, 2024

WikiLeaks and Whistleblowers

We viewed a two-part documentary about Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, and you submitted a response to some of the issues explored in the documentary.

You will now extend on your learning and understanding of whistleblowing. Below are some suggested topics that you can explore, and a few links to help get you started. What you explore is pretty wide open as long as it is related to whistleblowing, WikiLeaks or leaked information.

So select something that you figure you will have some interest in and spend some time online doing some research on your topic.

Once you have read and/or viewed information, make a new Google or MS Word Document and write a reflection about your topic. Include in your reflection:
  • An explanation/short summary of the topic (include links to any sites where you learned more about it)
  • Your own reflection on the topic (consider, if possible, relating the topic to the documentary we watched; or if the issue is not easily relatable, provide new thoughts and opinions).
  • Discuss how this topic can (or does) connect to the world of journalism. For example, what implications does it have for how the public receives information and how to trust online sources? What challenges do you think your topic raises for journalists and the news media? What struggles might occur when it comes to journalism ethics and standards? 
Don't forget to share your completed assignment with the teacher (allancarterspace@gmail.com or allan.carter@nbed.nb.ca).
Deadline is next Monday, December 16. 
Check out the rubric below and use it as a checklist to ensure you have not missed anything that should be included in your reflection:
  • There is a short summary or explanation of the topic that effectively provides enough information, but is still concise. 
  • Any online links that were used to gather information about the topic are included, and they are active links.
  • A number of thoughts and/or opinions are shared to create a solid reflection that either extends on the documentary viewing activity and/or provides new insights. 
  • There is a solid discussion on how the topic connects to journalism and the connections are effectively explored.  
  • There are fewer than three grammatical or spelling errors and the assignments has been submitted on time. 
Some suggested resources (remember, these are just suggestions, feel free to find your own online sources and a different topic and/or use the suggested ones below as a place to start):

More on WikiLeaks and Julian Assange
WikiLeaks: not perfect, but more important than ever for free speech
The Future for Juilian Assange and WikiLeaks

Alternatives to WikiLeaks
ICIJ and can consider other leaked information in the news (Paradise Papers)
ExposeFacts
Top 6 Sites Like WikiLeaks

Whistleblowers
How Reporters Pulled Off the Panama Papers, the Biggest Leak in Whistleblower History
Democracy Watch Canada Campaign for Stronger Whistleblower Protections


Whistleblowers pay a high price for speaking out (Canada)


Whistleblowing 101


  Democracy - A short introduction

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