What is technology?

1. I decided to challenge myself to learn new technology and actually utilize it to do my first discussion. That is why I created a MindMap on mindmeister.com. I thought this would be a great tool to emphasize the creativeness. I've never used this tool before so it was a new exciting experience for me to learn new skill by utilizing the basic knowledge I have on technology. I helped me greatly to connect my thoughts and ideas.

2. 1) Hughes, T. (2004). American Genesis: A Century of Invention and Technological Enthusiasm, 1870-1970. Retrieved from techliberation: https://techliberation.com/2014/04/29/defining-technology/ 2) Arthur, W. (2009). The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves. Retrieved from techliberation: https://techliberation.com/2014/04/29/defining-technology/ 3) Tony, M (2014, February 15). What is technology? Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Giiz81_uzK8 4) Richard, Li-Hua. (2007). "What is technology?, Journal of Technology Management in China, Vol. 2 Iss:3. Retrieved from emeraldinsight: http://www.emeraldinsight.com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/doi/full/10.1108/jtmc.2007.30202caa.001 5) Kelly, K. (2010), TED Talk: Kevin Kelly tells technology's epic story. Retrieved from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS1xL1qcBa4

3. "Technology is the effort to organize the world for problem solving so that goods and services can be invented, developed, produced, and used." (Hughes, 2004)

4. Seeing this quote from W.Brian Arthur, it made me realize that technology can be machines, products, internet, electricity, etc. However, the core meaning of technology is something that exists to satisfy human purpose. The purpose could be to be more comfortable, to be more safe, to be more efficient, and so on. Also after reading Hughes's quote for me technology is not only connection, communication, convenience, and creativity but also an innovative tool that human created in order to solve problem wisely and creatively, which has helped human and will help human to invent, develop, product, and use to better the quality of lives.

5. "The first and most basic one is a technology is a means to fulfill a human purpose. ... As a means, a technology may be a method or process or device... Or it may be complicated... Or it may be material... Or it may be nonmaterial. Whichever it is, it is always a means to carry out a human purpose." (Arthur, 2009)

6. Before taking the course, since I am in a generation that is very familiar to technology, I thought I knew the definition of it well. However, when I actually had to think about it and define it, I was surprised about how little I knew about it. I thought technology as devices that we use or something that is tangible, such as smartphone, laptop, car, radio, camera. It was very hard to define because technology itself is broad and integrated with many different fields, such as banking, traveling, medical care, and so on.

7. 1. What I thought technology was before starting the course

8. 2. What is technology to me now

9. Creative Approach

10. References:

11. Mina An

12. "...anything useful that the human mind makes, not just gadgets, but also law." (Kelly, 2010)

13. Technology can be defined in various ways depending on how the people perceive it. However, technology should not be and can not be defined or limited to just one thing. Technology is created by humans to help better our quality of lives by solving problems and make things easier for humans. So my final definition of technology is the tool that humans create in order to satisfy 4Cs (connection, communication, convenience, creativity) which contains most of human needs and wants.

14. "Limiting technology to science, engineering and mathematics loses sight of other supporting technologies. Technology includes more than machines, processes and inventions. Whereas, traditionally it might refer to hardware, these days it also refers to the "soft side" as well. ..." (Li-Hua, 2007)

15. Tony Montez (2014), YouTube "In the dictionary, technologies are things created by humans that can make our lives easier or solve problems. All humans have basic needs, such as getting water, food, and having a shelter. Technology is a way to make this easier. Instead of going down to the lake to get water, humans invented a way to bring it straight to our homes with indoor plumbing. ... Laptops helps us to get information, type papers, talk to friends, and much more. ... Umbrellas help to keep us dry in the rain and the locks help to keep our things safe. ..."

16. What made me to have a new definition of technology

17. My final definition of technology