Old Technology Interview

In this Assignment, you will be conducting an interview of a
person who uses old technology and compiling your findings in the form of a
formal essay. You will format your written component in APA manuscript style and
use proper citation. Be sure to review the Assignment rubric in the Syllabus
before you start your paper.

There are many types of old technology still used in today’s
society including printing presses, looms, rotary phones, and even
first-generation computers. For this project, you will locate someone in your
community using some type of old technology and interview him or her and write
an essay about your findings.

There are three parts to this project:

Part 1: Research and Selection

Follow these steps to begin your Assignment.

1. Research what kinds of old technology
   are being used in your community.
2. Select one of your choices.
3. Email your instructor with the name of
   the person you have chosen for approval.
4. Do a preliminary research on this
   technology via the internet.
5. Contact the office to schedule a time
   when you can visit the office and interview the person.

Part 2: The Interview

Follow these steps to conduct the interview. Prior to the
interview, decide how you will transcribe or document the interviewee’s
responses. You may want to bring a recording device, a video camera, or a
notebook and a pen.

1. Arrive on time dressed in a professional
   manner.
2. Introduce yourself stating who you are,
   what school you are attending, and the purpose of the interview.
3. Obtain the interviewee’s credentials –
   name, title, contact information, and email address if available.
4. Prepare your questions ahead of time.
   Here are some suggested questions:
   1. What type of technology do you use?
      Why?
   2. How long has the technology been in
      existence?
   3. When did you begin to use the
      technology?
   4. Do you have any future plans for
      technology use?

You are certainly not limited to these questions, but this will
get you started.

Part 3: Write your paper

For this Assignment you are writing a formal essay. Formal writing
is writing that generally does not use slang, personal references (I, you, or
me, except in some instances like employment cover letters), or shorthand
(texting language, abbreviations, or contractions). It is writing that is
addressed to a professional audience for a professional purpose. It is written
in Standard American English, which means it adheres to conventions that are
deemed to be common and proper in professional correspondence or documentation.
Often, formal writing will employ language that is specific to a particular
field of study or a certain profession or discipline, such as business, science,
or information technology.

Before you begin writing your paper, organize your interview. If
you videotaped it or used audio, transcribe your answers. Writing them down will
help you organize your findings.

1. State the name of the person you
   interviewed and what type of technology he or she uses.
2. Why did you choose this person?
3. Based upon your interview address the
   following:
   1. What type of technology does this person
      use? Why?
   2. How long has the technology been in
      existence?
   3. When did he or she begin to use the
      technology?
   4. What are his or her plans for future
      technology use?
   5. Conclusion – What have learned from this
      project? Has this project given you a “fresh” new outlook? Are you considering
      trying to use an old technology?

Your project should be 750-1000 words in length and adhere to the
following standards: