What is Technology?
Technology is the application of knowledge to create tools and devices that make life easier, safer and more enjoyable. It is the basis of scientific and industrial progress, but also has the potential to disrupt existing social hierarchies, cause pollution and harm individuals or groups. In the past, technology has included everything from simple hand tools to complex machines that provide a broad range of functions. It has required specialized training for designers, builders and users; it also has created new industries. Modern technologies are often built upon earlier technologies, resulting in cycles of innovation and improvement.
Most people understand the word technology in terms of consumer products – mobile phones, computers, TVs and HiFis; drones; cars; etc. However, when it comes to business, technology has a more narrow, sector-specific definition that still tends to gravitate towards Information Technology (IT) – the use of computer systems, including hardware, software and telecommunications for storing, sending and retrieving data.
It helps with the transfer of information from one person to another. This can help a company to solve business challenges and streamline the organization’s processes. It is important to have a clear understanding of what technology is and how it works in order to take full advantage of the benefits it can bring to businesses.
The use of technology in the workplace is increasingly common. This is particularly true in the fields of accounting, marketing and HR, where it allows employees to work more efficiently, while still being able to access all of the necessary data they need to make informed decisions.
In the classroom, technology offers teachers a variety of ways to engage students and support learning. It can be used to quickly assess student understanding by using tools such as Poll Everywhere, Socrative and Mentimeter; or to provide immediate feedback on classwork through quizzes and open-ended responses. It can also be used to connect students with the world beyond the classroom, with many schools now embracing global learning opportunities such as Skype an Author, where pupils write letters to authors who then respond with videoconferenced interviews.
Technology has its advantages and drawbacks, which are largely due to how it is used. It can create a digital divide where some have more access to technology than others, or it can be used to exploit the human condition in various ways. It is vital that people are aware of the impact that technology can have on their lives, and that they understand how it can be used to benefit society.