Technology versus processed foodsGilberto RodriguezNovember 8, 2014WRTG 101S Technology versus processed foods When it comes to food and technology, today often contributes to the detriment of our society. In today's society, many applications are being created to make our lives simpler. They can be downloaded on many devices that we as individuals carry such as smartphones, iPad, tablets. Some of the applications such as calorie counters and fitness plan are here to help people with eating healthy and making better decisions on what their intake is that goes into their bodies. There are websites such as men's fitness and muscle that give outstanding information to individuals so they can have a better lifestyle. Technology makes it easier for people to track their intake and monitor their nutritional values. There has been a tremendous switch between the traditional and contemporary food preparation thus for making a significant change to our current and future state of nutrition. Comment by Sarah: Indent the first line of each paragraph. Comment by Sarah: Please clarify. What contributes to the detriment of our society? Historically foods are grown using artificial products that we have in our nutritional values today. "The fortification of foods began in 1924 when iodine was added to table salt for the prevention of goitre" (Food Additive, 2014). Scientists have introduced processed foods to save time, money and energy. They have taken their purpose and have transformed it to prolong the life expansion of food. They have accommodated many single parents on the go who don't have the time on their hands to make a meal the way that it should be. The current downfall of the economy suggests the belief that the world is eating an unhealthy diet. Due to fast lifestyles whether it is because of your profession or lack of time to prepare a meal, contribute significantly to the current generations views. Some individuals that are in lower pay brackets are inclined to eat unhealthily because they cannot afford to buy the more nutritious things. "Half of the world's people, most of them poor and living in developing countries, have diets that are inadequate in protein, calories and micro-nutrients. Up to one-fifth of deaths and disabilities worldwide are attributed to malnutrition" (Sustain). As the more and more states continue to build more fast food restaurants around our neighborhoods, it makes it more convenient to participate in eating an unhealthy meal. Comment by Sarah: Clarify. Comment by Sarah: These words not needed Comment by Sarah: possessive – use an apostrophe Comment by Sarah: not on reference list? Culture plays an incredible role as well. For example, while in the military and living in Germany, many Soldiers notice that Germans eat foods that are full of starch. They also eat a lot of baked goods such as breads, cakes, and other pastries. Although their foods are not bursting with many preservatives, it's still hefty and unhealthy ...

1. Technology versus processed foodsGilberto
RodriguezNovember 8, 2014WRTG 101S
Technology versus processed foods
When it comes to food and technology, today often contributes
to the detriment of our society. In today's society, many
applications are being created to make our lives simpler. They
can be downloaded on many devices that we as individuals carry
such as smartphones, iPad, tablets. Some of the applications
such as calorie counters and fitness plan are here to help people
with eating healthy and making better decisions on what their
intake is that goes into their bodies. There are websites such as
men's fitness and muscle that give outstanding information to
individuals so they can have a better lifestyle.
Technology makes it easier for people to track their intake and
monitor their nutritional values. There has been a tremendous
switch between the traditional and contemporary food
preparation thus for making a significant change to our current
and future state of nutrition. Comment by Sarah: Indent the
first line of each paragraph. Comment by Sarah: Please
clarify. What contributes to the detriment of our society?
Historically foods are grown using artificial products that we
have in our nutritional values today. "The fortification of foods
began in 1924 when iodine was added to table salt for the

2. prevention of goitre" (Food Additive, 2014). Scientists have
introduced processed foods to save time, money and energy.
They have taken their purpose and have transformed it to
prolong the life expansion of food. They have accommodated
many single parents on the go who don't have the time on their
hands to make a meal the way that it should be. The current
downfall of the economy suggests the belief that the world is
eating an unhealthy diet. Due to fast lifestyles whether it is
because of your profession or lack of time to prepare a meal,
contribute significantly to the current generations views. Some
individuals that are in lower pay brackets are inclined to eat
unhealthily because they cannot afford to buy the more
nutritious things. "Half of the world's people, most of them poor
and living in developing countries, have diets that are
inadequate in protein, calories and micro-nutrients. Up to one-
fifth of deaths and disabilities worldwide are attributed to
malnutrition" (Sustain). As the more and more states continue to
build more fast food restaurants around our neighborhoods, it
makes it more convenient to participate in eating an unhealthy
meal. Comment by Sarah: Clarify. Comment by Sarah:
These words not needed Comment by Sarah: possessive – use
an apostrophe Comment by Sarah: not on reference list?
Culture plays an incredible role as well. For example, while in
the military and living in Germany, many Soldiers notice that
Germans eat foods that are full of starch. They also eat a lot of
baked goods such as breads, cakes, and other pastries. Although
their foods are not bursting with many preservatives, it's still
hefty and unhealthy for someone who has never experienced
this type of eating habits. However, Americans have the
accommodations of fast food readily available, putting their
nourishment at risk. Eating unhealthy can cause a lot of
complications within families that are extending their family
members lack vitamins and minerals while women are
pregnancy run the risk of complications. Low birth weight and
mental defects are a few deficiencies that can occur because of
poor nutrition. "Technology breakthroughs in the development

3. of high-yield oilseeds and the refining of high-quality vegetable
oils, can significantly reduced the cost of baking and frying
fats. Margarine, butter-like spreads, salad oils, and cooking
healthier without the chemicals added in foods, were prepared
using processors, leaving out ancestors a healthier and longer
lifespan. "The purpose of traditional food processing is
protecting the supply of wholesome nutritious food during the
year and preservation for the time of scarcity" (Habwe &
Walingo, 2008). Comment by Sarah: possessive and plural –
Use an apostrophe after the “s.” Comment by Sarah: Where
is the end of the quote that begins here?
Many of our younger generation consume many greasy foods
and unhealthy snacks. Individuals need to lead by example to
get back on track. "Study suggests, that if you ate a
carbohydrate-rich breakfast it would promote carbohydrate
utilization throughout the rest of the day. Whereas, if you have
a fat-rich breakfast, you have a metabolic plasticity to transfer
your energy utilization between carbohydrates and fat" (Bray &
Young, 2010). Crop raised chicken or frozen vegetables can be
a start to help and is cost-effective. "Transportation and access
to technology, such as refrigerators, has also played a role in
the demand for, and access to, supermarkets" (Popkin, 2006).
Many of individuals feel as if they don’t need to eat as much.
However, not eating enough can have an effect and our bodies
will begin to eat away at muscle and tissue creating many health
issues. Like many health magazines, portion sizes are a big
factor in achieving and maintaining a healthy diet. Meals cannot
be weighed and measured; however, you should remain aware of
how much to consume. "Traditional crops could be a primary
source of food in the diet, earn valuable foreign exchange by
exporting provide opportunities for import substitution and
generally benefit a large number of people" (Habwe & Waling,
2008). Consuming healthy foods that taste delicious however
can give you that deceitful feeling that you ate something full of
sugar. Reading food labels is something that consumers need to
do more often to make sure they know what their bodies are

4. taking in. For example, people who are trying to cut back on
salt, might look at the nutritious value on the labels and see a
little amount of sodium and automatically think this is not for
them. Although it is something that does fit in their diet.
Today's scientists are creating new technology that is causing a
revolving door regarding nutrition. Our future generations will
easily fall into the comfortable life of food because it's there,
and they have not educated themselves on the facts of proper
nutrition. "As preparation for life in a demanding and rapidly
changing society all young people need to become critical
consumers. Understanding the processing of foods, buy and eat
and making informed choices about food, diet purchases and
value for money" (Food Forum, 2010). The more education, the
younger generation receives, the better decisions they will make
and healthier lives they will be able to live. Comment by
Sarah: as much as what? Comment by Sarah: Use a comma
before “and” in a compound sentence. Comment by Sarah:
How do portion sizes relate to health magazines? Comment by
Sarah: Why not? Comment by Sarah: sentence fragment
Technology has created a unique and sometimes useful way
individuals make their food today than when food was prepared
years ago. “It’s easy to forget that the processed, pre-packaged
foods and fast food restaurants of today are a radical change in
terms of the history of food production" (Mecola, 2010).
Society has taught the future generations an easier way to eat
and cook their food determined by their lifestyle that does not
allow proper education to know the difference between non-
processed foods and processed foods. “We truly live in one
world today, where people living in any major city in a small or
moderate income country, can eat and move in a manner akin to
that of the higher-income cities of the world" (Popkin, 2006).
As a society, individuals have to take on the responsibility to
properly educate those who don’t know or don’t understand the
mechanisms of good nutrition.

5. References
Bray, M., & Young, M. (2010, March
30). iHealthBulletin News.Retrieved from iHealthBulletin News
Archive: http://ihealthbulletin.com/archive/2010/04/06/fat-
breakfast-boost-fat-burning-metabolism/
Food Additive. (2014). Encyclopedia Britannica
Online. Retrieved from the food
additive: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/tpoic/212615/f
ood-additive
Food Forum. (2010, July). Food Forum. Retrieved from Food
Forum
UK: http://www.foodforum.org.uk/hot/National_Curriculum-
Tea-Fis.shtml
Future Food. (2014, September 24). Retrieved from Future Food
2050: http://futurefood2050.com/about/technology-public-
policy-impact-future-eating/
Habwe, F., & Wa
Complete the reference list.
Use a hanging indent (Indent all lines under the first line of
each entry.)
Table 1
Type the table text here in italics; start a new page for each
table
[Insert table here]Paragraph 1: IntroductionParagraph 2: First

6. effect (What is it?)Paragraph 3: Second effect (What is
it?)Paragraph 4: Second effect (What is it?)Paragraph 5:
Conclusion
Figure Captions
Figure 1. Caption of figure
Gilberto Rodriguez 1[Figures – note that this page does not
have the manuscript header and page number]
Gilberto Rodriguez 2
MOOCs in the eyes of Dr. Karen Head and Thomas Friedman
Gilberto Rodriguez
November 8, 2014
WRTG 101S
MOOCs in the eyes of Dr. Karen Head and Thomas Friedman
There are different views regarding Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs). Some individuals would state that it has
opened up something great, but others would strongly disagree
and not understand the concept behind it. Thomas Friedman,
who is very optimistic about MOOCs and the positive outlook it
will have on the future, will argue that MOOCs are the next
best thing. However, there are individuals such as Dr. Karen
head that will stand on a firm ground that MOOCs are more of a
tragic accident waiting to happen. Most individuals would look
at MOOCs and have an open mind towards it. For instance,

7. some individuals would say that it is more convenient to pursue
their education online rather than going to a classroom and
receiving a lecture. Thomas Friedman and Dr. Karen Head are
two individuals who have different points of view in regards to
MOOCs; however, their differences question individuals
understanding and meaning behind the program called MOOCs.
Comment by Sarah: Indent the first line of each paragraph.
Comment by Sarah: Use “they” to refer to the plural terms
“Courses” or “MOOCs.” (also elsewhere in the draft)
Comment by Sarah: Proper noun – Capitalize. Comment by
Sarah: When a word is both plural and possessive, place an
apostrophe after the “s.”
Dr. Head has stated, "When I was approached, about teaching an
MOOC; my initial response was no." Dr. Head could not
understand the meaning of MOOCs. The concept of this
program to her did not meet what she felt the criteria were to
teach a lecture. Professors that are in the Universities have an
audience of real students every day. With MOOCs, you are
recording your speech, so your real audience is the person
behind the camera. According to Comment by Sarah: Check
the punctuation in the reading, and make sure you have it
exactly the same in the quote. Comment by Sarah: Why do you
think she didn’t understand the meaning of MOOCs?
Comment by Sarah: not a proper noun Comment by
Sarah: Replace generic “you” with a specific third person term
like “the professor.”
Dr. Head, it took hours to put the content together and then
record it so the students can play back the material. Teachers
who are not used to this type of education are very confused and
not quite sure if this will work. Thomas Friedman says that
MOOCs are the new revolution, however, Dr. Head, argues what
is the real motivation behind this. Dr. Karen raises many
questions regarding the cost of production, and if the school
cannot provide the support, you need, what will the individual
do to get it rectified. Thomas Friedman states "And nothing has
more potential to enable us to reimagine higher education than

8. the massive open online course". (Friedman, 2013) Comment by
Sarah: When “however” connects two independent clauses, use
a semicolon before “however” and a comma after it. (also
elsewhere in the draft) Comment by Sarah: no comma
between subject and verb Comment by Sarah: What does “this”
refer to? Comment by Sarah: Refer to the authors by their last
names. Comment by Sarah: Use a comma after “states” when
introducing a quote. Comment by Sarah: Place the period after
the citation. Comment by Sarah: Include a page number in
the citation for a quote.
He feels as though MOOCs is the new revolution because it's
more affordable. Dr. Head would disagree, saying that it is too
expensive to put together so her question would be exactly who
would this be affordable for, the individual receiving the MOOC
or conducting the MOOC. Thomas Friedman would argue that
with MOOCs, you can receive an excellent education and use
the professors in such a better way and it makes too much sense.
However, Dr. Karen Head argues that it does not deliver. There
are too many functions not discussed that would bring
significant issues to any university that has chosen to
participate in MOOCs. Comment by Sarah: subject-verb
agreementComment by Sarah: more affordable than what?
Comment by Sarah: Use a comma before “so” in a
compound sentence. Comment by Sarah: Use a comma before
“and” in a compound sentence. Comment by Sarah: Too
much sense for what? Or do you mean it makes a lot of sense?
Thomas Friedman has a vision for MOOCs that it will take over
the school system. He has said that professors do not need a
degree to come up with a lecture and teach. They can just come
up with something that is pertaining to the subject at hand and
go from there. That is why with MOOCs his argument is that the
instructors being hired are qualified to make sure the students
taking the MOOC is receiving top of the line teaching.
However, Dr. Head would argue that it would not matter whom
the instructor is it would be the information recorded that the
student would have to decipher to understand the lecture at

9. hand. There are little to know facts that MOOCs have worked
until Thomas Friedman has compared 300,000 are taking 38
online courses taught at Stanford. He states that yes, only a
small percentage completes the work, and they come from
middle and upper class, but he believed that give or take five
years, it would expand to reach a larger audience. Comment by
Sarah: This makes is sound like Friedman is accusing most
professors of being unqualified. I don’t think he said anything
like that. Comment by Sarah: run-on sentence Comment by
Sarah: I don’t understand this sentence. Comment by Sarah:
subject-verb agreement
When MOOCs first started, Thomas Friedman said that it was
affordable, however with the recent numbers it shows that not a
lot of people are interested with MOOCs. All of the work is not
being completed, and there are no lower class individuals taking
these online courses. All of the research on hand may have
someone who would take an online course, but after reviewing,
what Mr. Friedman has to show, as results would change their
mind. Dr. Head’s colleagues have asked her if she would do it
again? . And her answer was no, because, it was very time-
consuming and took a lot to take herself from the way that she
was used to teaching to conform to the MOOC strategy.
However, Mr. Friedman would state that it is cost effective and
it has a productive way to relay the information for the subject
at hand so that the students within that course will be able to
grasp. Comment by Sarah: What is the connection between
the affordability and the many people interested in MOOCs.
You used “however”; are these two ideas opposed to one
another? Comment by Sarah: none? Comment by Sarah:
Why would someone change their mind about taking a MOOC
after reading Friedman’s ideas?
The view of MOOCs will continuously change for the better and
for the worse depending on the individual taking the course and
the professor teaching the lesson. As time goes on, the audience
will grow to reach out to all types of classes. The professors
that have chosen to participate in the MOOCs will have a

10. different outlook on education as a whole. Dr. Karen Head and
Thomas Friedman were two individuals who had different
opinions dealing with MOOCs. Dr. Karen wanted to have the
experience of teaching an MOOC so that she can understand
what they are and what it took to prepare for an MOOC.
However, her observations were different from that of Thomas
Friedman. Mr. Friedman stands strong behind MOOCs with the
vision that it will become an incredible educational tool and
will become stronger than ever. Improving education has been a
project for many years. There have been great programs created
to help achieve a better education system so that the future
generation can be afforded the best education without having to
settle for anything less. Education is a revolving door and will
forever continue to change, and the world will continue to
accept these changes.
Cite authors’ last names in parenthesis at the end of any
sentence that quotes or paraphrases from the authors.
Reference
Friedman, T. L. (2013, January 26). Revolution Hits the
Universities. Retrieved from The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/opinion/sunday/friedman-
revolution-hits-the-universities.html?pagewanted=1&_r=4
Writing Assignment #2: Cause-Effect Analysis
Writing assignment #2 will be an essay in which you analyze
either causes or effects. You have two choices for this essay,
both of which are very wide open. For both choices, you are

11. required to integrate two sources into your essay to support
your argument.
1. Technology and Education
Analyze the effects of a particular trend in educational
technology.
Our discussions in the class up to this point might be helpful for
you as you consider ideas for this topic.
You might analyze any one of the following. These are just
examples. Many approaches are possible for this topic.
a. The potential effects of Massive Open Online Courses
(MOOCs) in higher education. You might focus on a particular
field of study for this choice.
b. The effects of online courses on education. You might focus
on a particular field of study for this choice.
c. The effects of using digital media in online courses
d. The effects of computer use in writing courses or courses in
other disciplines
e. The effects of certain forms of technology on reading skills
or reading habits
f. The potential effects of video games being introduced into
schools and used to help educate students
You must use at least two sources to support your points in this
essay. You will cite your sources in APA style, using both in-
text citations and a “References” page at the end of the essay.
Some interesting articles that might give you ideas for this
essay, and that you could use for one or two of your sources, are
the following:
· Clive Thompson, “The New Literacy”

12. http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/17-
09/st_thompson
· Cynthia Haven, “The New Literacy: Stanford study finds
richness and complexity in students' writing“
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2009/october12/lunsford-writing-
research-101209.html
· John Sutherland, “Cn u txt?”
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2002/nov/11/mobilepho
nes2
· Michael Agger, “Lazy Eyes”
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/the_browser/2008/06/l
azy_eyes.html
If you choose this topic, you may write on the same topic for
writing assignment #3, the research-supported essay. If you
write on this topic for both writing assignment #2 and writing
assignment #3, you will be expanding on your argument and
finding more sources for the essay for writing assignment #3.
2. Technology and Your Field of Study
Analyze the effects of a particular technology in a field of study
of your choice.
This option represents a more general approach to the essay.
Some examples might be the following. These are just
examples. Many approaches are possible for this topic.
a. The effects of mobile devices on cybersecurity
b. The effects of the Internet on the field of advertising
c. The effects of cloud computing on a particular business field
d. The effects of the Internet in an area of communication

13. studies
e. The effects of the Internet on global marketing strategies
f. The effects of a particular type of technology on health care
You must use at least two sources to support your points in this
essay. You will cite your sources in APA style, using both in-
text citations and a “References” page at the end of the essay.
If you choose this topic, you may write on the same topic for
writing assignment #3, the research-supported essay. If you
write on this topic for both writing assignment #2 and writing
assignment #3, you will be expanding on your argument and
finding more sources for the essay for writing assignment #3.
Organization
The following video tutorial provides general instruction on
writing a cause-effect essay:
http://polaris.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorials/cause_effect/
Your essay should have the following:
· anintroductory paragraph with a thesis statement.
The following video tutorial gives instruction on writing an
effective introduction to an essay:
http://polaris.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorials/introductions/
· body paragraphs that offer evidence to support your thesis and
synthesizes your source material
The following video tutorial gives instruction on writing
effective body paragraphs for an essay. Keep in mind that this
tutorial is not specific to the cause-effect essay:
http://polaris.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorials/paragraphs/
You might find the following tutorial helpful for using effective
transitions from one thought to the next in your essay. Keep in
mind that this tutorial is not specific to the cause-effect essay:
http://polaris.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorials/transitions/

14. · a solid conclusion that reminds readers of your main idea (or
thesis) without simply repeating it
The following video tutorial gives instruction on writing an
effective conclusion to an essay:
http://polaris.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorials/conclusions/
· A References page that lists the two sources you used for the
essay
Other Tips to Consider:
This essay asks you to focus on effects.
The length and breadth of this essay is not sufficient to allow
you to analyze both causes and effects in a thorough fashion.
For example, if you write about the effects of MOOCs, you
would mostly write about what happens as a result of MOOCs
(effects). You might briefly mention why MOOCs arose
(causes) towards the beginning of the essay, but this would not
be a focus of the essay.
In addition, this is not a persuasive essay. Your opinion or
response, if it comes out in your essay, should not be the focus
of the essay. The effects should be the focus of the essay.
Length: 800-1000 words
Format
· Double space
· Include a title page with this information:
Title of essay
Your Name
Date
WRTG 101S

15. · Document sources using APA style. Please consult pages 500-
537 of Writing for Success to determine how the sources should
be cited for the various types of sources you are using.
· Submit your essay as an attachment
What to submit
Rough Draft – By the end of Week 3, submit your rough draft.
You will receive feedback during Week 4.
Revised Paper – By the end of Week 6, submit your revised
paper as an additional attachment to the same assignment
folder. This version will be graded according to the following
rubric:
Maximum score
Your score
Comments
Introduction and thesis: Topic is introduced in an engaging way
and essay has a clear and effective thesis statement
10
Body Content: Essay supports the thesis statement, discusses
effects of a particular technology on some aspect of the world
with effective use of sources
30
Body Organization: Essay is logically organized into focused
paragraphs
15
Conclusion: Essay has an effective concluding paragraph that

16. reminds readers of main idea
10
Mechanics: Essay uses standard English grammar, punctuation,
spelling, and diction
20
Length and format: Essay is 800-1000 words and follows
prescribed format
5
References: At least two well-chosen sources, cited in-text and
an on reference page in APA format
10
Total
100
writing assignment #1
Instructions
Students,
You have various options for Writing Assignment #1. The
options are listed at the following url:
http://info.umuc.edu/academicwrtg/WRTG101_101S/wa1_WRT
G101_101S_options_.html
Your first draft is due by the end of Week 2. Submit your draft
as an attachment (Microsoft Word is preferred) to this
assignment folder This should be as complete a draft as
possible, in order to receive the most helpful feedback.

17. During Week 3, you will receive feedback on your draft.
By the end of Week 4, submit your revised essay as an
additional attachment to this same assignmet folder. This
version will be graded. The following rubric will be used:
· Introduction and thesis: Topic is introduced in an engaging
way and essay has a clear and effective thesis statement. (10
points)
· Body content:Essay supports the thesis statement with strong,
well-reasoned support. (30 points)
· Body organization: Body Organization: Essay is logically
organized into focused paragraphs. (15 points)
· Conclusion: Essay has an effective concluding paragraph that
reflects and/or looks forward. (10 points)
· Sources: Essay gives credit to the source authors by citing the
authors' names in parentheses for all quotes and paraphrases. (5
points)
· Mechanics: Essay uses standard English grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and diction. (25 points)
· Essay length and format: Essay is 1000-1200 words (5 points)