Technology is a wide umbrella term for the ways people use tools and machines to help them accomplish their tasks, whether they’re working in an office or running a household. This includes everything from computers to smartphones, drones to washing machines — even the internet itself is part of technological innovation. This field is not only important for those who research and develop new technologies, but also for everyone who uses them in their day-to-day lives.
A common way to think about technology is through its means of production, which involves using tools and machines to create products that people can use. Another key way to consider technology is through the lens of its use, which refers to how people choose, use and interact with technologies.
The earliest examples of technology can be traced back to 30,000 BCE, with humans making and using stone tools, cave paintings and petroglyphs. Since then, technology has been incredibly instrumental in how humans live their daily lives, with many of today’s top products helping to improve health and productivity. However, while many of today’s technologies can bring immense benefits to both personal and professional lives, there is a risk that too much technology can be harmful.
It’s easy to get confused about what exactly technology is and how it works. While the word is often used casually, it’s actually a very complex and diverse concept. In fact, it’s difficult to define in the exact sense of the word because there are two sharply diverging traditions of thinking about it.
One approach, which Schatzberg calls the instrumentalist approach, reduces technology to a search for the best means to an end, and depicts it as narrow technical rationality that is devoid of values or morality. The other approach, which he calls cultural technology, argues that to understand technology we need to take into account its place in culture. This understanding opens up a rich new way of thinking about technology that could be a complement to interpretative sociology of technology or a restart for philosophy of technology.
As we continue to integrate technology into our classrooms, it’s important to know how to use it effectively and how to avoid potential problems. Thankfully, there are a few tried-and-true strategies that can ensure our students are learning with the most effective and safest technologies available. By following these tips, we can keep our students engaged and empower them to take control of their digital lives. In addition to these helpful strategies, we should also remember that the purpose of technology is to enhance and support student learning, not replace it. By taking the time to plan our lessons well and make sure we are integrating the latest tech, we can empower our students with the tools they need to succeed. This is the best way to ensure that we are providing them with the best education possible.