Extended Definition of Technology
Please follow the guidelines of the course: I chose to redefine "Technology".
Touchstone 2.1: Extended Definition Essay
ASSIGNMENT: Write a 3-5 page double-spaced (750-1250 word) essay, using the techniques and elements of informative writing that you have just learned, in which you select a word from this list and define or redefine it:
Communication
Technology
Innovation
Productivity
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review this tutorial for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert: Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines.
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Compose a 3-5 page essay that defines or redefines the word "communication," "technology," "innovation," or "productivity."
Your essay should include the following components:
-In your introduction, explain how society, or the dictionary, defines the word you've selected.
While you can draw from the skills definitions provided in this course, make sure to address other standard definitions, such as those mentioned above, of the word.
-Also in your introduction, include a thesis statement that explains your unique or extended definition of the word.
-Your thesis statement must inform your readers of your new definition.
-In your body paragraphs, provide examples and explanations to support your definition of the word.
-Outside sources are not required for this assignment, but if you choose to use them, please follow APA format. Refer to the Unit 2 tutorials "Source and Quotation Formatting in APA" and "In-Text Citations and Reference Formatting in APA" for instructions and examples of proper citations.
-End with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis in different words and provides a concluding thought.
-Write in the informative mode throughout the composition, using objective language.
-Minimize mechanical and stylistic errors.
-Read the article by Dan Richards titled “Digital Ethics” found in the Model Informative Essays tutorial for ideas about how to write an extended definition essay.
B. Reflection Questions
DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
-What is the significance of your essay? Why is it important to reflect on this particular skill as you move through your evolving academic/professional career? (3-4 sentences)
-Which informative writing tutorials were the most helpful in developing your essay? (3-4 sentences)
-Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. How can you capitalize on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses in the future? (3-4 sentences)
C. Rubric
Advanced (90-100%) Proficient (80-89%) Acceptable (70-79%) Needs Improvement (50-69%) Non-Performance (0-49%)
-Extended Definition Essay (10 points)
Define one of the four employability skills in a unique or compelling way.
Accomplishes all of the following: Clearly and specifically articulates how society or the dictionary defines the selected word; clearly and effectively explains a unique or extended definition of the word; provides examples and explanations that support the unique or extended definition of the word. Accomplishes 2-3 of the following: Clearly and specifically articulates how society or the dictionary defines the selected word; clearly and effectively explains a unique or extended definition of the word; provides examples and explanations that support the unique or extended definition of the word. Accomplishes 2 of the following: Clearly and specifically articulates how society or the dictionary defines the selected word; clearly and effectively explains a unique or extended definition of the word; provides examples and explanations that support the unique or extended definition of the word. Accomplishes 1-2 of the following: Clearly and specifically articulates how society or the dictionary defines the selected word; clearly and effectively explains a unique or extended definition of the word; provides examples and explanations that support the unique or extended definition of the word. Does not articulate how society or the dictionary defines the selected word and/or does not provide a unique or extended definition of the word; there are no examples or explanations that support a unique or extended definition of the word.
-Thesis Statement (5 points)
State the focused central claim of the essay.
Accomplishes all of the following: Includes a clear and effective thesis statement; the thesis statement is one sentence in length; the thesis statement states a unique or extended definition. Accomplishes 2-3 of the following: Includes a clear and effective thesis statement; the thesis statement is one sentence in length; the thesis statement states a unique or extended definition. Accomplishes 2 of the following: Includes a clear and effective thesis statement; the thesis statement is one sentence in length; the thesis statement states a unique or extended definition. Accomplishes 1-2 of the following: Includes a clear and effective thesis statement; the thesis statement is one sentence in length; the thesis statement states a unique or extended definition. Does not have an identifiable thesis and/or the thesis is extremely unclear or unfocused; there is no central claim to the essay.
-Organization (10 points)
Exhibit competent organization, flow, and writing techniques.
Accomplishes all of the following: Includes an introduction with a strong thesis statement; includes an adequate number of body paragraphs; includes effective topic sentences for all body paragraphs; includes a conclusion with an effective closing thought; the sequence of sentences and paragraphs is logical. Accomplishes 4-5 of the following: Includes an introduction with a strong thesis statement; includes an adequate number of body paragraphs; includes effective topic sentences for all body paragraphs; includes a conclusion with an effective closing thought; the sequence of sentences and paragraphs is logical. Accomplishes 3-4 of the following: Includes an introduction with a strong thesis statement; includes an adequate number of body paragraphs; includes effective topic sentences for all body paragraphs; includes a conclusion with an effective closing thought; the sequence of sentences and paragraphs is logical. Accomplishes 1-3 of the following: Includes an introduction with a strong thesis statement; includes an adequate number of body paragraphs; includes effective topic sentences for all body paragraphs; includes a conclusion with an effective closing thought; the sequence of sentences and paragraphs is logical. Is missing multiple required components of a composition or all of the components are ineffective; the sequence of sentences and/or paragraphs is consistently illogical.
-Style and Tone (5 points)
Establish an informative tone and make thoughtful stylistic choices.
Accomplishes all of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful and effective word choices; uses a wide variety of sentence structures; establishes a consistently objective and impersonal tone that is appropriate to an informative composition. Accomplishes 2-3 of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful and effective word choices; uses a wide variety of sentence structures; establishes a consistently objective and impersonal tone that is appropriate to an informative composition. Accomplishes 2 of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful and effective word choices; uses a wide variety of sentence structures; establishes a consistently objective and impersonal tone that is appropriate to an informative composition. Accomplishes 1 of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful and effective word choices; uses a wide variety of sentence structures; establishes a consistently objective and impersonal tone that is appropriate to an informative composition. Consistently demonstrates poor word choices and/or repetitive sentence structures; tone is consistently subjective and the composition is dominated by personal observations and opinions.
-Conventions (5 points)
Minimize errors in standard English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Includes virtually no minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and APA conventions if sources are used. Includes fewer than 5 minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and APA conventions if sources are used. Includes 5 minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and APA conventions if sources are used. Includes more than 5 minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and APA conventions if sources are used. There are consistent significant errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and APA conventions if sources are used.
-Reflection (5 points)
Answer reflection questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Accomplishes all of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful reflection; consistently includes insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses; follows or exceeds response length guidelines. Accomplishes 2-3 of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful reflection; consistently includes insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses; follows or exceeds response length guidelines. Accomplishes 2 of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful reflection; consistently includes insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses; follows or exceeds response length guidelines. Accomplishes 1-2 of the following: Demonstrates thoughtful reflection; consistently includes insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses; follows or exceeds response length guidelines. Does not answer the majority of reflection questions or the majority of answers do not follow response length guidelines.
-D. Requirements
The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded:
-Double-space the essay and use one-inch margins.
-Indent the first line of each paragraph by ½ inch.
-Use a readable 12-point font.
-All writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
Composition must be original and written for this assignment.
Use of generative chatbot artificial intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Bard) in place of original writing is strictly prohibited for this assignment.
-Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
-Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.
-Submission must include your Extended Definition Essay and reflection questions with the components described in the guidelines above.
-Include all of the assignment components in a single file.
Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx.
Title
Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s name
Date
Technology is widely used to refer to the advancements and innovations that have formed people’s lives. The dictionary defines technology as applying scientific knowledge for practical purposes (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). It is often associated with electronic devices, computers, and digital advancements and includes older technologies. Moreover, society identifies technology as a driving force behind progress and societal change, shaping how people live, work, and interact with the world around them. However, technology can also be an evolving collection of tools, systems, and innovations that can enhance human capabilities, improve efficiency, and simplify daily lives when used appropriately and responsibly. On the other hand, it can also be a double-edged sword, as its misuse or abuse can lead to adverse consequences. Hence, the implications of technology are contingent upon its utilization.
Technology can enhance human capabilities when employed correctly, making tasks easier, faster, and more efficient. It revolutionizes communication, increases productivity, and provides access to vast information and resources, empowering individuals and improving the overall quality of life. For instance, technology streamlines manufacturing processes, simplifying work and reducing human effort through automation and robotics. Additionally, digital platforms enable instantaneous global communication and collaboration, transforming how people interact and conduct business. Moreover, technology grants unparalleled access to information, allowing individuals to acquire knowledge, pursue personal interests, and engage in lifelong learning. These advancements equip individuals with the tools and resources to thrive in this dynamic world. People can harness technology’s benefits to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and create a more connected and informed society, ultimately improving the well-being and opportunities available to individuals by embracing technology’s potential.
Furthermore, adequately harnessed technology has profoundly impacted various sectors, bringing transformative changes and unlocking new possibilities for societal progress. For instance, technology has expanded access to quality learning opportunities in education. Online platforms, digital resources, and e-learning tools have made education more accessible, flexible, and personalized. Students can now access educational materials from anywhere, collaborate with peers globally, and engage in interactive learning experiences. This event has opened new avenues for lifelong learning, skills development, and educational equity. Technology has also revolutionized patient care, diagnosis, and treatment in healthcare, especially during the pandemic (Golinelli et al., 2020). The technology has enhanced patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased efficiency in delivering medical services. Therefore, adequately harnessed technology has positively impacted education, healthcare, and other sectors. It has catalyzed innovation, economic growth, and societal advancements. People can continue to harness its potential to address challenges, foster inclusive development, and create a more interconnected and prosperous world by leveraging technology effectively.
While technology has undoubtedly brought about numerous benefits, it is essential to acknowledge that there can be negative consequences associated with its misuse or abuse. It is crucial to approach technology with a mindful and responsible mindset to mitigate these potential risks and ensure a balanced utilization of its capabilities. One of the significant concerns in the digital age is privacy breaches. The vast amount of personal data collected, stored, and shared through technological systems increases the risk of unauthorized access and misuse. Cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and identity theft have become prevalent issues, compromising indi...