1. Pre-Module Perception
1.1. Technology mostly pertained to digital innovations and devices before diving into this session. Technology manifests contemporary devices like cell phones, computers, and software. In essence, I had a minimal viewpoint significantly skewed toward technological advances.
2. Current Understanding
2.1. In my current understanding, technology is a large field that denotes the practical application of scientific knowledge. It crosses several academic areas and goes beyond only technological devices. Technology, which includes everything from the wheel to the internet, is an example of how human creativity is used to address issues in the real world and improve quality of life.
2.2. Supporting Ideas
2.2.1. Historical Relevance: Technology has always existed, from prehistoric societies that harnessed the power of fire to contemporary researchers that created CRISPR technology. Broad Applications: With the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), telemedicine, robotic surgery, e-learning platforms, and many more, technology is now influencing many fields.
3. Evolution of Ideas
3.1. At first, I associated technology with electronics and contemporary devices. The curriculum broadened my perspective and helped me see how far human technological progress has come. Its center is not found in technology but in people's inventiveness and problem-solving abilities.
4. Need for New Technologies
4.1. Several factors make new technology essential: Solving Complex Problems: Modern technology can address the world's expanding problems, such as climate change and pandemics. Economic Growth: They encourage economic activity, spawning businesses and employment possibilities. Enhancing Life Quality: New technologies strive to make life more cozy, effective, and long-lasting. This includes anything from medical advancements to smart houses.
5. Course References
5.1. Agar, 2019 Context: Technology is a keyword of our world yet often misunderstood. Greelish, 2013 Context: Alan Kay's perspective on technology is "anything that wasn't around when you were born." Schatzberg, 2006 Context: Historical framing of technology in terms like useful arts, manufacturing, invention, and applied science before the 1930s. Kumar, Kumar, & Persaud, 1999 Context: Technology's two primary components are the physical (products, equipment, blueprints, techniques) and the informational (know-how in various domains). Hughes, 2004 Context: Technology is messy and complex, full of contradictions, and often narrowly equated with computers and the internet.
5.2. Citations
5.2.1. Agar, 2019: "…technology in fact 'is one of the keywords of our world, yet it is also one of the most confused'" (Agar, 2019). Schatzberg, 2006: "Before 1930, ' issues that historians now discuss regarding technology were framed in such terms as useful arts, manufacturing, industry, invention, applied science, and the machine'" (Schatzberg, 2006, p. 486). Kumar, Kumar, & Persaud, 1999: "Technology has two primary components: 1) a physical component which comprises of items such as products, tooling, equipment, blueprints, techniques, and processes; and 2) the informational component which consists of know-how in management, marketing, production, quality control, reliability, skilled labour and functional areas" (Kumar, Kumar, & Persaud, 1999). Isman, 2012: "Human's use of technology involves not only machines (e.g., computer hardware) and instruments, but also structured relations with other humans, machines, and the environment. In short, technology is more than a collection of machines and devices. To go beyond simplistic intuitions about technology requires investigation of the human mind and socio-cultural environment as well as interactions with technological artifacts" (Isman, 2012, p. 208).