Technology is the application of knowledge to create tools and machines that aid humans in overcoming challenges. It is an essential part of our lives, affecting all aspects of human existence. It is important to understand how technology works and how it has shaped our world.
Humans are toolmakers from the very beginning – we need to be in order to survive, and this means that the technologies we use are a vital part of our evolutionary path. The study of technology involves understanding these processes, and it is this that makes it so complex.
Technological developments are made possible by the need to solve specific problems posed by people in daily life. These can be as simple as wanting to chop wood more efficiently, or as complex as creating a new fuel source or a better weapon. Whatever the problem, it needs to be a significant enough concern that society is willing to devote resources to solving it.
Once a need is identified, it needs to have sufficient visibility so that enough people are aware of it to provide a market for an artifact that can meet it. This might be as simple as a knife that is easier to use or as complex as an advanced robot.
As a result of the need to solve specific problems, the development of technology is often an iterative process. The technology is adapted and improved as it becomes more efficient or effective. The resulting technology can also have unexpected consequences and lead to the need to modify and improve it further.
This iterative process is the driving force behind technological innovation. However, a critical aspect of the study of technology is understanding how these iterations impact the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the technology itself. This requires capturing the nuance and complexity of technologies in their entirety – how they work, what they were designed to do, how they are used, and how global changes in society have impacted the development of each particular technology.
A key component of studying technology is understanding how different technologies compete and interact with each other. As they compete, technologies tend to prioritize certain routes and ends and neglect others. For example, as digital cameras became widespread, the analogue photography pathway was deprioritized. This is not because it was worse, but rather that digital cameras were more convenient.
Modern businesses rely on many types of technological advancements to thrive. From IoT devices to virtual reality, there are so many ways that technology impacts our day-to-day operations. These advancements have a direct impact on the productivity of businesses and employees.
The integration of technology into education is a crucial step towards helping students succeed. Educators are constantly being pushed to adopt new pedagogies and technologies. While it may seem overwhelming, there are actually some easy strategies to help teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. Educators need to be aware of the needs and priorities of their course or subject area when selecting technology. This helps to ensure that the technology is effective and a good fit for the class.