Embedded Files
In the following post I'll analyse some websites according to Dudeney and Hockly (2007) suggested guidelines: accuracy, currency, content and functionality. The websites mentioned are included considering the following unit of work.
Unit of work: Technology in our lives
Age group: 15 y.o.
Language level: B1
Number of Students: 15
Objectives: By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
Identify and name vocabulary related to modern technology such as devices and digital habits
Compare and contrast life with/without technology
Express opinions about how technology affects daily life
NORDVPN's YouTube Video
Regarding accuracy, the video was posted on YouTube by NordVPN, a cybersecurity company known by its VPN services. While the website belongs to the Web 2.0 category (meaning anyone can upload their content), the company itself tends to partner with experts to create some of their content. Judging by this and the survey results link at the bottom of the description, it is safe to say that the survey results data presented in the video comes from a reliable source.
In terms of currency, the video was uploaded on December of 2021 and the article on which it was based on was posted on September 2021, so it is highly likely that the specific data is outdated. However, the concepts discussed, such as screen time or activities done online, are still relevant in the modern technology discussion.
Screenshot from “21 Years Online: US Internet Habits” (NordVPN, 2021).
The video uses clear narration and dynamic animations within the visual representation of the data mentioned in clear timelines and charts that would result engaging to young learners and simplify understanding. Additionally, any vocabulary that some students may otherwise find challenging becomes clear through the visual support.
The only feature lacking for perfect functionality is that neither subtitles nor the automated option is available. However, most of the script is provided through the description which is a positive factor for students who may need to follow along or check for any specific detail of the video. As mentioned, the description contains also a link to their survey results used in the video as well as a break-down of parts of the videos using the feature of chapters.
WallHabit's Article
Screenshot from "Digital habits: What they are and how they shape our life" (WallHabit, 2024).
When considering accuracy, the article was posted on the official blog of an app of the name "WallHabit" that specializes in blocking content that may result distracting for users like YouTube's Shorts or Instagram's Reels. The author is not directly mentioned, and the article itself is credited to a certain "WallHabit Author" that seems to have written most, if not all, of the articles in the site. While all of the articles credited to the same account deal with similar topics (aside from tutorials for the app), it fails to cite any sources.
Regarding its currently, the article was posted less than a year ago, which makes the information recent and relevant. It depicts in a clear way our digital behaviour and names common examples of good and bad digital habits. However, as it was previously mentioned there is no source for any of the data mentioned so it could be possible that some of the content mentioned may not be so recent.
The content could seem relatable to the students based on the real-life examples provided that help them to spot some of the digital habits they may not have known they have too. The language is suitable for the students' level, and site itself is very simple in terms of functionality. There are few illustrations scattered throughout the article, and the coloured in bold keywords and consistent division of topics into headings and subheadings makes navigation easy for students.
Ashraf's Medium Essay
This article was posted on the website Medium, a web 2.0 platform which is open for anyone to publish, so there is no editorial review. There is no additional information about its author, Salman Ashraf, when checking his profile so although he does seem to be into technology based on some of his other titles, there is no ground to say that the article is factually correct.
Since the article was posted less than a year ago it could be argued that its contents are fairly current, mainly because it deals with a general view of technology and its pros and cons in daily life.
Screenshot from "Life with technology vs. life without technology" (Medium, 2024).
The content is short and direct, making it suitable for an intermediate learner. However, the lack of a more detailed analysis makes it simplistic and probably more useful as a starter point for a discussion rather than an intense analysis. The content is well structured, but the lack of formatting on subheadings or proper punctuation in then difficult the lecture of some of the paragraphs. Overall, the website is easy to access and read, with a feature that highlights the main idea of the text.
Digital World's YouTube Video
Screenshot from "How Technology Affects Our Health and Well-being" (Digital World, 2023).
The video was published by the channel "Digital World" on YouTube and covers the main aspects of how technology affects physical and mental health. While the channel used to post news and educational videos when active (two years ago), it is not a recognised academic institution and neither in the video nor the description there is no source cited, so the accuracy of the information is dubious.
The video was updated at the beginning of 2023, and while it is likely outdated due to technology's quick advance throughout the years, the main topics remain relevant as they deal with many general issues like screen addiction or the effect of notifications.
Its content consists mainly of stock videos and some animations that accompany a narration that balances the positive and negative effects. It is structured into different sections, and the pace of the voice combined with the availability of subtitles with a live transcription if toggled makes it accessible for young learners and supports comprehension. This combined with the good functionality of the platform makes this video have perfect functionality.
ScotsTimes' Article
The article belongs to a news site called "Scots Times", but it lacks sources and fails to credit the author of the article, making it less trustworthy overall. Since it has been posted some months ago, it is safe to say that its content is up-to-date, especially since it focuses on the more general categories of technology rather than naming specific device models.
The content is well-organised and easy to read. It lists 10 most popular gadgets, divided in clear categories and providing reasoning for each of them. At the very end it provides a chart summary and a conclusion that briefly summarises it, which young students could find useful to help their understanding.
In terms of functionality, the website loads quickly and has no broken links aside for maybe some ads. The layout is clean and easy to navigate through.
Screenshot from "The Rise of Smart Devices | Most Popular Electronic Devices in 2025" (ScotsTimes, 2025).
BBC Learning English Quiz
Screenshot from "Unit 28. Speeding into the future. Session 1" (BBC Learning English, 2023).
The quiz and subsequent activities come from BBC, a globally respected news and education provider. Since they tend to work with expert language instructors and their "Learning English" curators, it is safe to say its accuracy is proven. The vocabulary deals specifically with technology, and there is a short list on one side of the article reminding students about the meaning of specific words.
As in many cases previously mentioned, the topic of vocabulary is very broad, therefore it's safe to assume it as contemporary despite the lack of date of post. The only piece of information that may need a revision is "tweet", since its app "Twitter" has recently switched names to "X".
The session includes a static quiz for students to complete based on how often they use technology, a short interactive vocabulary quiz and an audio clip to answer some questions. The content is concise and clear. From a learner's perspective, the mix of listening, reading and comprehension exercises can be quite engaging.
Its functionality is good as all links work well and all resources, including the interactive ones, load fast.
LearnEnglish Teens' Lesson
This lesson is hosted by British Council, a recognised authority in ELT. Since its materials are written and reviewed by educators, it would be safe to assume that its accuracy is correct, even though it lacks sources or author credits.
The exact date of publication is also not given, but it's content remains relevant due to the presence "FOMO" has itself in society nowadays.
Students may find the content relatable, especially teenagers. The lesson includes a reading text, vocabulary matching and comprehension questions that make the material stimulating and accessible.
The website functions smoothly, with no broken links and clear instructions and quick-to-load interactive exercises. The site is neatly organised and students will find it easy to navigate on.
Screenshot from "FOMO" (LearnEnglish Teens, n.d.).
Bibliography
Ashraf, S. (2024, October 12). Life with technology vs. life without technology. Medium. Retrieved June 18, 2025, from https://medium.com/@msalmanashraf2016/life-with-technology-vs-life-without-technology-ed7ca9385b37
BBC Learning English. (n.d.). Lower intermediate – Unit 28, session 1. BBC Learning English. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/lower-intermediate/unit-28/session-1
British Council. (n.d.). FOMO. LearnEnglish Teens. Retrieved June 19, 2025, from https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/b2-reading/fomo
Digital World. (2023, February 22). How technology affects our health and well‑being [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBYJpW7e-_s
Dudeney, G. & Hockly, N. (2007). How to Teach English with Technology. Pearson.
NordVPN. (2021, June 8). 21 years online: US internet habits [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoD6_tfE5Eg
ScotsTimes. (2025, April 12). The Rise of Smart Devices | Most Popular Electronic Devices in 2025. ScotsTimes. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://scotstimes.co.uk/gadgets-and-devices/popular-electronic-device/
WallHabit. (2024, August 1). Digital habits: What they are and how they shape our life. WallHabit. Retrieved June 19, 2025, from https://wallhabit.com/blog/digital-habits-what-they-are-and-how-they-shape-our-life/
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