Task 1: Disruption winners and losers

Match a disruptive technology from the first column with an industry from the second at the bottom of this page. In one paragraph, explain specific ways that technology could transform how things are done in that industry. In the next paragraph, explain who will benefit and who will suffer due to this disruption. In the third, imagine the effects on society if the old way of doing things completely disappears. What will be gained, and what will be lost?

You must cite evidence or quotes from at least three non-Wikipedia sources.

❌🤖 You may not use an AI tool for this assignment.

❌🤖 You may not choose AI as the disruptive technology for this assignment.

Submit your essay in these steps shown in class:

1. Log into this website dashboard and choose All Posts > Add New (⚠️ Do not simply add a comment to this page).
2. Give your post a title like “Task 1: Mary Gonzalez”.
3. Paste or type your essay in the form provided.
4. Add the category “Task 1” to your post so your TA can find it.
5. Click the Update and/or Publish button when you’re finished.
6. Fill out the Task 1 feedback form [TO COME] to complete the assignment.

FAQ

What’s the grading rubric?

• You explained how a technology could disrupt an industry, without AI: 0-2 points
• You explained who would benefit and who would suffer: 0-2 points
• You cited 3 non-Wikipedia sources: 0-2 points
• You wrote articulate, polished prose: 0-2 points
• You were thoughtful or imaginative: 0-2+ points

Your grade is the total of all points times 10, for a possible maximum of 100%.

So I can’t use Wikipedia?

You may start your research at Wikipedia but the sources you cite cannot be Wikipedia itself.

Do I have to use formal bibliographic citations?

For the purposes of this assignment, you do not need to write a formal bibliographic citation; incorporating a linked reference into your post will suffice. You can create a link with the toolbar or by selecting some text and pressing Ctrl/Cmd-K.

Why can’t I use AI?

This prohibition will help you compare the experience of researching and writing this task with future tasks in which you are required to use AI.

Can I see a model answer?

As one example for reference, here’s a sample A+ essay Your essay may look quite different and still get a good grade if you follow the rubric.

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