Introduction to Technology

Mr S. Crisp

2013

What is Technology? Definitions of “Technology” often

include words such as: Science Engineering Information

The word “Technology” often invokes images of computers, laboratories and sophisticated mechanical equipment, but it may be much simpler than that.

Definition of Technology (1)“Technology is the making, modification, usage,

and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-

existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or

perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery,

modifications, arrangements and procedures.”

http://en.wikipedia.org, 2013

Definition of Technology (2)“Technology is the branch of knowledge that

deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life,

society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts,

engineering, applied science, and pure science.”

http://dictionary.reference.com, 2013

Definition of Technology (3)“Technology is

(a) the application of science, especially to industrial or commercial objectives;

(b) the scientific method and material used to achieve a commercial or industrial

objective.”

http://www.thefreedictionary.com, 2013

Definition of Technology (4)“Technology is the purposeful application of

information in the design, production, and utilisation of goods and services, and in the

organization of human activities.”

http://www.businessdictionary.com, 2013

Definition of Technology (5)

“Technology is the modification of the natural world to meet human wants and needs .”

International Technology Education Association (ITEA/ITEEA), 2000/2002/2007

Types of Technology

Tangible Drawings, manuals, models, physical

equipment etc. Intangible

Information and knowledge, training methods etc.

http://www.businessdictionary.com, 2013

Types of Technology High

Entirely, or almost entirely, automated and intelligent technology that manipulates ever finer matter and ever powerful forces

Intermediate: Semi-automated, partially intelligent technology

that manipulates refined matter and medium level forces.

Low Labour-intensive technology that manipulates

only coarse or gross matter and weaker forces.

http://www.businessdictionary.com, 2013

Examples of Technology

Tangible Intangible

High

Medium

Low

Mobile Phone

Hammer

Electric Motor

The Alphabet

School LevelEducation

The Internet /The Cloud

Technology Requires

The ability to use, manage, assess and understand it

This is often referred to as “Technological Literacy”

A Technologically Literate Person

Is someone who “understands, in increasing ways that evolve over time, what technology is, how it is created

and how it shapes society, and in turn is shaped by society.”

International Technology Education Association (ITEA/ITEEA), 2007

Technological Literacy

Technologically illiterate people

will become increasingly dependent

on other people

who are technologically literate

Consequences of Technology The application of technology has

consequences, both intended and unintended

Some consequences may be “good” while some may be “bad”

The definition of “good” or “bad” is subjective – it depends on each individual’s opinion and point-of-view.

Technology and the Environment Technology impacts, affects and

changes the environment The environment impacts, affects and

changes technology.

Examples?

Technology and Society Technology impacts, affects and

changes society Society impacts, affects and changes

technology.

Examples?

Technological Progress

Twenty years later and all of these things fit

into your pocket!