Technology concerns understanding how knowledge is creatively applied to organised tasks involving people and machines that meet sustainable goals. It involves the design and implementation of systems that provide a range of functional benefits, from medical treatment to industrial production. The concept also includes the use of information, communication and telecommunication technologies.
Technological change has been a major force in human evolution, both as a means to solve problems and as a tool to communicate with other cultures around the world. The transformation of natural resources into tools, the invention of fire, and the development of more powerful weapons have all contributed to the progress of human civilization. However, not all technological changes have been positive. Some have resulted in war and the destruction of human life.
There are two sharply diverging traditions in how people think about technology. One, exemplified by the writings of Aristotle and Hugh of St Victor, is an instrumental approach that sees technology as narrow technical rationality devoid of values. The other, exemplified by the thinking of John Locke and Talcott Parsons, is a more holistic approach that includes the use of technology for purposes other than survival.
Every engineering design is based on constraints that must be identified and addressed. These constraints include physical laws, financial (only so much money can be used), social (disadvantages to some), ecological (likely disruption of the natural environment), and ethical (disadvantages to future generations). The optimum design is achieved when an engineer strikes a reasonable compromise among these factors.
Information technology (IT) is the application of computer systems to store, transmit and retrieve information. It helps businesses automate many processes and improve their overall efficiency. This type of technology has become increasingly important as the speed of business operations increases, and it is often a key differentiator between successful companies and those that fail.
The field of IT includes the development of software, hardware and telecommunications. It also encompasses a broad range of activities such as programming, application development and system administration. The emergence of technology in the workplace has transformed the way we work. It is now possible for employees to access the same data from anywhere in the world, and this has created a huge advantage for organisations.
The development of new technologies has also improved the quality of education. It has enabled teachers to communicate with students in a way that is more engaging and interactive. For example, students are now able to use online platforms like Google Docs and Skype to collaborate on projects with their classmates. This has made it easier for them to understand the theory they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. Moreover, they can also use the internet to search for valuable information on any topic of interest to them. This has also helped them develop their research skills and enhance their critical thinking.