Unit 1 Draft

 Source 1: A Pencil Shop, for Texting the Old-Fashioned Way

    Molly Young focuses on exploring the nostalgia and practical appeal of a store entirely dedicated to pencils. The Store, C.W. Pencil Enterprise is in Lower Manhattan is owned by Caroline Weaver. Young examines why this store exists in an era where most people use a form of technology for their daily writing use. The article driven by Kairos, the timely irony of a pencil shop thriving in the digital age we live in today, that stems from the cultural nostalgia for simpler experiences. 

    Throughout the article Young highlights the experience and connection that comes with the store. For example, she highlights the shop's aesthetic, "With its spanking newness and luminous blocks of color, the place looks like an Edward Hopper canvas." This give readers an idea of the mood of the shop and how inviting it is. 

    Young's audience likely includes readers who are intrigued by niche businesses or others who are interested in cultures. She highlights how the structure of the shop is based on different pencils from around the world. Her writing reflects a mix of skepticism and fascination, to readers who might initially dismiss a pencil shop as frivolous but leave intrigued. 

    This article is a feature piece, a genre focused on storytelling and vivid descriptions rather than the hard news we see daily. Young shows a deep dive into one singular pencil story rather than a broad analysis of the pencil industry as a whole. The genre of this influences the project by emphasizing human interest, aesthetic details, and anecdotes over technical or financial data. For example, the article includes in detail descriptions, "A pencil shaped like a cigarette, to freak out the customer's mother." This style of storytelling allows readers to resonate and get excited about the piece. 

    Young succeeds in making an article about pencils, enticing and entertaining for readers. Her detailed description of the store's ambiance and the owner's enthusiasm to create an immersive experience for readers. Her detail allowed me to feel excited and now aware that this store exists. This article highlights how the shop encases novelty, showcasing its function as a nostalgic yet practical haven, "Because pencils have a credible use, this single-minded store is able to transcend its novelty status." 

    However, this article fits into the broader conversation about the reusage of simple tools in our digital age. It aligns with the trends like vinyl records and handwritten letters coming back into trend. This article relates to that fact that people seek tactile, and intentional experiences in an increasingly virtual world. It demonstrates that people want to feel the comfort of nostalgia and encase in their culture. The store's ethos, described as, "A monument of the joys of back-to-school-shopping," taps into a collective want for simplicity and craftmanship.

    Young's piece effectively captures the charm and uniqueness of C.W. Pencil Enterprise. Overall, the blend of detail, historical contexts, and light humor allows readers to make this a memorable read. A New York Times feature allows for C.W. Pencil Enterprise to reach a wider audience for those who are interested in niche businesses like this. Young's work reminds us that even the most overlooked objects, like pencils, have a story to tell. 

Source 2: Using artificial intelligence to foster students’ writing feedback literacy, engagement, and outcome

    The article, "Using Artificial Intelligence to Foster Student's Writing Feedback Literacy Engagement and Outcome" by Hannah Shafee Rad, Rasoul Alipour, and Aliakbar Jafarpou explores the integration of AI into educational settings to enhance students' writing. As our inquiry is to explore and examine writing and technology, this research article focuses on the combinations of both. This study examines Wordtune, which is an AI writing assister for writing. It gives feedback which is beneficial for students to understand what revisions could be made to their writing. 

    The methodology involved observing the students while they used Wordtune for different writing tasks. The data was then able to be collected through surveys, writing samples, and observations to evaluate how Wordtune impacts student's writing. They found that Wordtune did in fact enhance students' writing skills and critical thinking, allowing them to overall make their writing more productive and better. However, the authors also raised the issue of students potentially relying too heavily on Wordtune, and other AI tools making it so that teachers need to heavily monitor their usage. 

    This article offers several strengths, including its practical focus on the world's everlasting change towards using AI. Furthermore, how AI impacts education and Wordtune's benefits. In addition, this research also provides a balanced perspective by addressing the need to limit AI usage, so individuals do not become dependent on the technology. While the study offers valuable insights, its findings may be limited to specific student groups or writing contexts, leaving room for further research. Overall, this article is very relevant for educators, researchers, students, and others interested in leveraging AI to improve learning outcomes in writing. 

Source 3: The impact of technological advancement on culture and society | Scientific Reports

    This article, "The Impact of Technological Advancement on Culture and Society" by Abdullah Alsaleh expresses how technological advancements impacts culture and society, presenting both benefits and challenges within this article. On one hand, technology has given access to information and knowledge, fostering global awareness and understanding. It has revolutionized communication in regard to connecting with individuals across the world and creating collaboration. Furthermore, technology has empowered creativity and self-expression, providing new tools and platforms for individuals to share their ideas and talents with the world. It has also increased efficiency and productivity like automating tasks and allowing individuals to focus on more strategic and creative endeavors. 

    However, with the rise of technology it also brings potential negatives. The digital divide is also highlighted between those who have access to technology and those who do not. In addition, privacy convers also arises with the collection and the use of personal data, raising questions about surveillance and individual rights. Excessive technology use can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. We have seen that the rapid spread of misinformation online has destabilized social and political landscapes. Furthermore, automation and AI may lead to job displacement in certain industries.

    In conclusion, technological advancement has both negatives and positives and only time will tell on what plays out. It is a powerful force capable of shaping culture and society in many different ways. To ensure that technology serves humanity correctly, it is important to acknowledge both its positives and negative impacts. By promoting equitable access, prioritizing ethical considerations, and fostering critical thinking skills, we harness the transformative power of technology all while mitigating its potential risks.