Technology can be applied to every aspect of our lives, from building structures like bridges and canals to creating entertainment and information. Many of us rely on it to make our lives easier by automating tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. But, it’s important to know how to properly use technology so that it can be most effective for you.
For example, a teacher may want to give students access to Google Docs, a convenient way for them to collaborate with their classmates and share work. But, if they don’t have high-speed internet, it could be harder for them to use the program effectively. Similarly, it’s important to consider the impact that technology has on student access and equity.
There are several different definitions of technology, and they can vary across disciplines. For example, some people define it as any human-made object. Others use it to refer to certain types of objects or processes, such as medical or computer technologies.
The word technology comes from the Greek words techne and logos. The former means skill or craft, while the latter refers to an idea or concept.
The process of making technology involves deciding how to bring the world closer to how one wishes it to be. It is typically a step-by-step process, and apparently promising early technologies often stall midway through development. This makes it challenging to understand how technology works. In order to do so, it’s necessary to study a variety of disciplines, such as sociology, history, political science, and economics.