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Assignment Activity Unit 1
Ayesha Gul
University of the People
ENGL 1102 - English Composition 2
Bushra Haroon
2nd of January, 2025
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Assignment Activity Unit 1
In today’s world, where technology is constantly changing, it’s important to make sure
the information we rely on is accurate and trustworthy. With so much content available online,
it’s easy to stumble upon sources that may not be as reliable as we think. For this assignment, I
looked at five different types of online sources: books, journals, websites, blogs, and news
outlets to assess how reliable and credible they are when it comes to providing information
about modern technology. By evaluating these sources, I’ve learned that we must always be
careful about where we get our information to ensure it’s correct and unbiased.
1. Books
Books, especially those from well-known publishers, often offer detailed and
well-researched content. For example, I looked at The Innovators by Walter Isaacson, which
explores the history of technology and its pioneers. Isaacson is a respected author who has
written extensively about technology, and this book is published by Simon & Schuster, a
reputable publishing house. The book provides an in-depth look at how modern computing came
to be, and it’s filled with facts that are well-researched. However, one downside is that books can
take a while to get published, so they might not always cover the latest developments in
technology.
2. Journals
Peer-reviewed journals are often seen as some of the most reliable sources for any
academic subjects, and they are especially important in technology. I reviewed an article from
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Assignment Activity Unit 1
the Journal of Modern Technology available on IEEE Xplore. This article dives into artificia
l intelligence and machine learning, and since it’s peer-reviewed, it has been carefully checked
by experts in the field. The authors of the article are affiliated with universities and well-known
tech companies, adding to the credibility. The downside is that journals can be a bit technical,
and sometimes the information can be hard to understand if you're not an expert in the subject.
3. Websites
Websites like TechCrunch and Wired are some of the most popular sources for tech news
and updates. I looked at TechCrunch to see how it covers the latest innovations and trends in
technology. TechCrunch is generally reliable and provides fresh insights, but since it’s a
commercial websites, some articles might be influenced by advertisements or sponsored content.
It’s a great resource for keeping up with the latest tech news, but it’s important to remember that
some of the information may have a promotional angle. It’s always a good idea to cross-check
what you read on such sites with other, more neutral sources.
4. Blogs
Blogs can offer valuable insights, especially when they’re written by industry
professionals. One blog I reviewed was written by a software engineer working at Google,
discussing the future of quantum computing. The author’s background makes the blog credible,
and the content was well-written and thought-provoking. However, blogs can vary widely in
terms of reliability. Some blogs are more about personal opinions, and not all of them are written
by experts. It’s important to evaluate the author’s credentials and the platform hosting the blog to
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Assignment Activity Unit 1
determine how trustworthy the information is.
5. News Outlets
Mainstream news outlets, such as The New York Times or BBC News, also cover
technological advancements and their impact on society. I read an article from The New York
Times about the potential of 5G technology. These major news outlets generally follow strict
editorial guidelines, which helps ensure the information is accurate. However, even respected
outlets can sometimes sensationalized topics to grab attention, especially when covering new
technologies. It’s important to read beyond the headlines and critically assess the entire article to
get a true understanding of the information.
Summary and Importance of Evaluating Online Information:
When I evaluated the five sources: books, journals, websites, blogs, and news outlets. I
realized that each type of source has its strengths and weaknesses. Books and peer-reviewed
journals are the most reliable for in-depth, factual information, making them great for academic
research. Websites and blogs can provide the latest trends and expert opinions, but they should be
read with caution due to their potential bias or commercial influence. News outlets are generally
trustworthy, but it’s important to be aware of any sensationalism in their coverage of new
technologies.
The process of evaluating sources is crucial in today’s digital age, where misinformation
can spread easily. When dealing with modern technology, where things change rapidly, we must
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Assignment Activity Unit 1
ensure that the information we rely on is accurate, up-to-date, and free from bias. By carefully
assessing the credibility of the sources we use, we can avoid misinformation and make informed
decisions about the technological developments that shape our world.
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Reference List
Isaacson, W. (2014). The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the
Digital Revolution. Simon & Schuster.
IEEE Xplore. (2021). Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Modern Technology.
Retrieved from www.ieee.org
TechCrunch. (2022). Emerging Technologies in 2022: The Future of Startups. Retrieved from
www.techcrunch.com
The New York Times. (2021). The Impact of 5G Technology on Global Connectivity. Retrieved
from www.nytimes.com
