Technology is a broad term that refers to both the artifacts created by humans, like machines and other devices, as well as how those artifacts are used. The word is derived from the Greek words techne, meaning “art, skill or craft,” and logos, which means “saying” or “expression.” Technological progress occurs mainly through identifying new needs and developing a combination of technologies to meet them. For example, the development of a jet engine requires combining a number of existing technologies, including compressors, turbines and anti-stall systems.
Historically, technological advancements have greatly influenced the way people live and interact with each other. For example, advances in agriculture have dramatically increased the food supply; changes in sanitation and preventive medicine have reduced the spread of disease; bows and arrows have given way to gunpowder and nuclear weapons; and the development of computers has transformed the ways in which people communicate, bank, and operate businesses.
The societal impact of these innovations often raises ethical questions, such as how much human labor is appropriate or whether it is necessary to develop artificial intelligence. Moreover, many of these technologies have unintended effects on their surroundings, such as contaminating the water supply or depleting natural resources.
As a result, there is a growing movement to take a more critical look at technological developments and their implications. New disciplines have emerged in areas such as philosophy, social sciences and science and technology studies (STS), which examine different aspects of the influence of technological innovation.
Educational technologies are a powerful tool for engaging students and promoting academic success. But it’s important to find the right mix of educational technology that works for your class and student population. For instance, some students may benefit from using a text-to-speech software program to help them read and write, while others might prefer to use an adaptive math platform like Prodigy that adjusts to each student’s individual strengths and challenges.
There are also numerous other education technology tools that can encourage student engagement, such as digital storytelling platforms and interactive games. These apps offer a unique way for students to learn through creative assignments that can be more fun than traditional written papers or lab reports.
In addition to the benefits of using educational technologies, these tools can make grading easier for teachers. For example, students can create tikbot animations and interactive group stories that demonstrate their understanding of topics rather than simply writing out the same old essay.