Technology is the use of materials, machines and systems to manipulate the environment and produce products and services. It is the basis of modern life and most societies. It is generally viewed that the relationship between technology and society (culture) is a symbiotic one, with each influencing and being influenced by the other.
Educators are continually being pushed to integrate technology into their teaching. Navigating the jungle of new pedagogies and learning theories can be overwhelming for many teachers, especially with limited time and resources. However, using technology efficiently can save teachers hours of lesson planning and alleviate students from cognitive overload. Educators who use technology in their classrooms work up to 4.6 hours less than those who don’t.
The development of technology has led to numerous advances, including increased food production and easier travel for humans. It has also allowed for more effective communication through email, instant messaging and video conferencing. However, there are still significant barriers to digital access for billions of people. This includes those who are rural, low-income, elderly or illiterate.
The impact of technology on society is often a controversial topic. Some critics have claimed that technologists are ill-equipped or unwilling to address the sorts of social problems their creations may unwittingly exacerbate, while others argue that governments have not been able to set clear standards and rules for rapidly evolving technologies (e.g., Zigler 2019). In addition, it has been argued that technologists need to be educated to better understand the potential social impacts of their products.