If you are interested in studying technology, the Open University offers a range of IT and computing qualifications. Technology plays a growing role in our lives and is changing our world in many ways. It shapes our interactions with other humans and the natural environment. However, technology is not a neutral term, and different people will give it different meanings depending on their point of view. Technology involves the creative application of knowledge to achieve goals. It is an integral part of everyday life and includes both people and machines.
Technological waves
The full realization of a technological wave can produce significant societal change. Some technological waves are short-lived and only serve to meet a specific need. Others are more long-term and spread across different sectors. These waves are largely the result of impracticality, poor profits, or lack of imagination.
In the early part of the twentieth century, technological development followed different paths, and the competitive environment also changed. Technological waves presented a different format of competition, which benefited companies that understood their context. Those that did not recognize the context, however, faced competitive problems.
Impact on society
The impact of technology on society is multi-faceted. While it has been the cause of many problems, it has also made life easier for many people. For example, it has made farming easier and improved communication. In ancient societies, people relied on hunting and gathering for their survival, but advances in technology have made this model obsolete. For this reason, the impact of technology on society has changed the genetic makeup of entire societies. In some cases, people are less likely to engage in risky activities as a result of these advances.
Social media have become a large part of society’s social lives, and have allowed people to connect and form communities. These activities have made societies more connected and have helped the global economy grow. As people become more digitally connected, the impact of technology will only become more apparent. As new technologies improve, more opportunities will arise for people and society as a whole.
Relationship between technology and science
The relationship between technology and science has been the subject of much debate. While the two disciplines are not mutually exclusive, the differences between the two are significant and should be explored in education. Understanding how they operate on a fundamental level will clarify the nature of technology education and elevate its status. It will also provide additional rationale for its independence.
While technology is a product of science, its role in society is not entirely clear. Skolimowski, for instance, argues that technology is about the world as it should be. Similarly, Herbert Simon emphasizes this distinction in The Sciences of the Artificial (1969).
Key audiences for technology handbook
If you are writing a technology handbook, it’s important to understand who you’re writing for. A good book focuses on solving the pain points of its target audience. Its content should be easy to understand for non-technical readers, and it should not be overly technical or academic.
There are two types of audiences – primary and secondary. A primary audience consists of those who will receive the communication directly, such as decision-makers, while a secondary audience is a group that will read the material in an indirect way. For example, a business memo is directed to Stan Jobs, but Linda Smith will also send it to George Jones, a person who may be interested in the information that the memo contains.