Technology is the collection of methods that combine human resources, skills, tools and raw materials to produce desired products or services. It also refers to the state of humanity’s knowledge and tools in any given field, such as medical technology or space technology.
Technology includes everything from the gears on a bicycle to the information systems that control a global airline fleet. It’s also a tool that we use in both our personal and professional lives to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be difficult, time-consuming or impractical. Moreover, technology influences how we interact with the world around us in both positive and negative ways.
A defining feature of technology is that it prioritizes some paths and neglects others. Because of this, it’s often a contested and controversial topic. For instance, when digital cameras exploded in popularity, many people switched from analogue film cameras and darkrooms. This deprioritized the pathways of taking photographs, as well as the behaviors associated with that pathway, including inefficient and gratifying workflows and the painstaking culture of physically retouching images for hours on end. The digital camera wasn’t necessarily better, but it did become more favored because it was easier and faster.
Technological progress is important, but so too is a deeper understanding of the impacts of technology in our daily lives. This is important for those who research and develop new technologies, as well as those who have to implement them in their working environment. It’s a complex issue that isn’t easily solved, and it requires a collective commitment from individuals and organizations to make the most of the opportunities that come with technological innovation while mitigating any drawbacks.
The term “technology” has evolved from its nineteenth-century origins as a means to achieve political and social progress. More recently, it’s become a catch-all for the notion that large-scale technological systems are semiautonomous forms of progress themselves. This view has been criticized by scholars who argue that it is dangerous and shortsighted to treat technology as an end in itself.
It’s important for educators to understand what technology is and how it affects our everyday lives. This way, they can teach students to utilize technology wisely and make the most of its benefits. This can help them achieve their goals, including improving student outcomes.
To begin, you’ll want to start by looking at your course goals and priorities as you evaluate technology options. Thoughtful technology choices aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re wedded to a discipline and a course, and even to specific learning objectives or activities within that context.