Technology is defined as, “the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. Basically, it is something created to make an action or task more efficient. Technology surrounding writing has developed from using hands in caves to quill pens, pencils to people typing with their fingertips. The author, Nicholas Carr illustrates this through his extensive commentary on the technological advancements have made writing and communication more effective.

This relates to our everyday lives, because hearing stories from my parents when they were my age compared to now, is how much more easier it has become to talk and communicate. My mother would tell me that when people wanted to make plans, they had to communicate in person or the day before. Now in our lives we can send a quick text to one another. The technological advancements have been revolutionary, and have fully changed our lives.

Like many, I relied heavily on computer word processors, mainly Google Docs and Apple Pages, as a means to write and complete my assignments. To me, writing was a way to explain myself in depth and do it accurately. I guess I didn’t take the chance to be more creative, like coming up with my own stories, comic strips, and publishing them on self-publishing platforms that are now widely available today. However, I did notice gradual changes in my writing habits, such as being extra scrupulous and paying increased attention to detail. I became more aware of the importance of understanding and respecting cultural nuances and stereotypes, depending on the sensitivity of the topic.

I also experimented with different note-taking apps, which have been very helpful, to say the least. I really appreciate some of the tools that are offered by the software, such as grammar checking by clicking on a word when needed. During my time in middle school, I used Thesaurus.com a lot to experiment with advanced synonyms of certain words and increase my vocabulary while writing. You can definitely tell I have a preference for writing on a computer word processor rather than writing with a pen and paper. I just feel that the latter works best when you’re trying to jot down something quickly and remember it for your next quiz or assignment. However, if you really want to analyze your writing and get feedback by sharing your work and fixing it simultaneously, then using a computer is the only way to go. There is obviously some overlapping between these mediums of writing, but it’s really about the consistent development as a writer. I do want to mention the use of encyclopedias, something nobody uses nowadays. I think its one of the least helpful tools out there because of how expensive and difficult it is to find one. Even wikipedia is better in that regard. Looking ahead, I think I will explore more styles of writing and use different platforms to better myself as a writer.

When writing an essay, opinion writing, or any sort of writing, I like to organize what would be in my writing. For example, if I am writing an argumentative essay, I would write down multiple thesis statements that I would like to focus on. Then, I gather and list down evidence (primary and/or secondary sources) and if applicable the page number to a book. I didn’t do too much or worry about the conclusion until I wrote my introduction and body paragraphs.

Handwritten essays can be challenging since erasing or like crossing out for me is annoying, so I prefer typing my writing up through Google Document. There is the “tool” bar that corrects my spelling and grammar errors. This preference started in middle school because my English teachers wanted our writing to be printed and handed in physically, but expanded during remote learning. However, when I took AP Language and Composition and AP Literature and Composition, my teachers made us type our writing, but when the AP came up, I was like “oh no…” I haven’t been practicing hand writing essays.

I also like to search up synonyms or different word choices, so I don’t repeat the same words throughout my essay. I got these comments and feedback endlessly and I find that searching up different words on Google comes in handy.

Lastly, pen over pencil when writing and maybe even doing math (SOMETIMES). My handwriting differs every time, but whenever I write in pen, my handwriting is neat and the size and font are consistent. On the other hand, when I write with a pencil, it is like a mess…