Technology, in one sense, is any kind of tool or machinery that aids human activity. It can be both tangible tools like utensils or machines, and intangible ones such as software and communication systems. As long as humans have existed, they’ve been shaping their environment and creating technology to help them survive.
Today’s society depends on a wide variety of technological tools to function effectively. Most of us use communication technology through phones, emails and messaging apps to stay in touch with friends and family. We rely on information technology to manage our businesses, perform research for projects and provide customer service. The technology we rely on is evolving rapidly.
The most obvious benefit of technology is time efficiency. In the past, it could take hours to make a phone call or get a package delivered. Nowadays, that same task can be completed in seconds, and with the push of a button, it can even happen automatically.
Many teachers are finding new ways to leverage technology in the classroom. For example, a projector allows students to see class lectures clearly, and the iPad application ‘Markup’ turns student exams into digital papers that teachers can mark easily.
Similarly, smartboards and productivity platforms allow teams to work together remotely in real time. This helps to ensure that projects are always on track and teams have what they need when they need it. However, too much dependency on these kinds of technologies can have its drawbacks. For example, if the wrong information is spread, it can have harmful effects on people’s health.