Technology is all around us and plays a key role in our lives. It is the application of knowledge to achieve practical goals in a reproducible way and can include tangible products such as utensils, machines and tools, as well as intangible things such as computer software and data.
It is important to understand how we shape and are shaped by technology. It is not a neutral term and can have negative as well as positive impacts on society. It is therefore vital that we make good choices about the technology we use in our personal and working lives.
In education, technology provides access to oceans of information at the click of a button for students. Teachers can assign programs to help students remediate or expand their knowledge in a quick and efficient manner, allowing them to explore topics that interest them. It also allows them to build essential 21st Century skills that will prepare them for the future workplace.
For businesses, technology has the ability to transform operations and create a competitive advantage. By reducing the amount of manual work and increasing efficiency, companies can decrease costs and increase profits.
Technological advances have created new consumer demands and expectations. For example, a two or three-day response time for customer service is no longer acceptable; instead customers expect immediate resolution. Companies must be willing to invest in technology and learn from their experiences to keep pace with these changing consumer trends.