What is Technology?
by Aaqil Khodabaccus
1. There is no concrete definition of Technology. It has a subjective nature and people perceive and define technology differently depending on the context and depending on their background. It's definition will remain fluid across time as perspective, culture and needs of a population change.
2. Necessity of New Technology
2.1. To feed a growing world population
2.2. To develop more efficient and energy saving systems which are less dependant on fossil fuels
2.3. To improve the lives of people by tackling pollution, finding solutions for substance abuse and providing safe living environments for everyone.
3. My current definition of Technology
3.1. Technology is not limited to products, tools and devices, it includes information processes used to acheive better results
4. My current thoughts and Conclusion
5. SMARTEduEMEA (2011) showcase the evolution of technology in the field of education by showing how teaching changes from cave drawings to interactive connected devices. This is evidence that technology changes with time.
6. Definitions of Technology
6.1. "'Technology' is one of the keywords of our world, yet it is also one of the most confused" (Schatzberg, 2018, p. 352).
6.2. Alan Kay says, "anything that wasn't around when you were born" (Kay, 2013).
6.2.1. While I agree that Kay implies that Technology changes quickly with time, I also think that he may be dismissing Technology that existed before we were born.
6.2.1.1. For example, cars existed before we were born. We should consider Technology which was here before our time
6.3. According to Kumar, Kumar, & Persuad (1999), technology has two main components 1) a physical component, including products, tooling, equipment, blueprints, techniques, and processes, and 2) an informational component, consisting of know-how in management, marketing, production, quality control, reliability, skilled labor, and functional areas.
6.4. Isman (2012) argues that we should broaden our understanding of technology beyond mere machines and systems. Instead, he suggests that technology should encompass any knowledge with practical applications.
6.5. "Technology is any modification of the natural world made to fulfill human needs or desires" (National Research Council, 2012, p. 202).
7. Not easy to Define
7.1. "'Technology' is one of the keywords of our world, yet it is also one of the most confused" (Schatzberg, 2018, p. 352).
7.2. Hughes (2004) explains that defining technology is difficult and complex. He says that a single definition of technology is not be sufficient and technology changes and is dependent on context
8. Technology has a broad perspective and implies human effort for the betterment of our lives.
9. How have my ideas changed?
9.1. Now I beleive that there is no single way to define technology just like Hughes (2004) said.
9.2. Technology is more than what was or is; it will continue to evolve into the future.
10. My previous thoughts
10.1. Ancient Technology
10.1.1. Awe-inspiring architecture like the pyramids, dams, roads, castles, canals. Technological advancement of previous civilizations can be seen from remaining architecture and crafts.
10.2. Current Technology
10.2.1. We use some new and some old technology
10.2.1.1. New Tech; E.g. of high technology is smartphones, laptops, airplanes, and satellites. High tech devices will have a circuit board and micro-chips in them.
10.2.1.2. Old Tech; E.g. radios, markers, binoculars, and spoons. Most of these low-tech tools have been around since the ancient times.
10.3. My Previous Definition
10.3.1. Technology facilitates the everyday lives of humans in almost all fields.