SYLLABUS 3 Flashcards
Core
Social impact of technology
Key Focus 1:
Defining Technology
Defining Technology includes (9)
- defining technology
- primitive
- complex
- technology as hardware, eg appliances, gadgets, toys
- technology as software, eg applications, databases, websites
- technology as organisation of knowledge, eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment
- historical perspectives
- the digital revolution
- the information age
Key Focus 2:
Reasons for the development of technology
Reasons for the development of technology includes
- improve upon existing technology
- economic benefit
- consumer demand and human needs
- social betterment
- the global community
- response to social problems
Key Focus 3:
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology includes
- age
- culture and religion
- economic status
- disability
- geographical location
- gender
Key Focus 4:
The impact of technology on lifestyle
The impact of technology on lifestyle includes
(12)
- technologies and the family
- household technology
- information and communication
- entertainment technology
- technologies and the community
- education and training
- transport and travel
- health and medicine
- food
- leisure and entertainment
- technologies and the workspace
- safety technology
- information and communication technology
- structure of the workplace
- introduction of technology into the workplace
Key Focus 5:
Technological development
Technological development includes (13)
- issues related to information and communication technology
- privacy and safety
- security of information
- accuracy of information
- information overload
- copy right
- impact of emerging technologies
- ethics
- equity and access
- health and safety
- economic
- environmental
- education and learning
Key Focus 6:
A selected piece of technology
A selected piece of technology includes (4)
- issues related to technological development
- reasons for the development of the technology
- factors affecting access to and acceptance of the technology
- impact on lifestyle and wellbeing of the technology
Technology refers to
tools, systems, and methods developed and used by people to simplify or solve problems
Primitive technologies are
those that are simple and often rely on human labour to operate. Examples include stone tools, fire pits, and hand-woven textiles
Complex technologies are
those that are more advanced and often require specialised knowledge and machinery to operate. Examples include computers, airplanes, and medical equipment
Technology continues to
evolve and improve, and it plays an increasingly important role in our lives and in society as a whole
Technology as hardware refers to the
physical devices and objects that make up our technological world
Defining Technology
Technology as hardware, eg appliances, gadgets, toys.
These can include appliances such as …
refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines that have become essential to modern living
Defining Technology
Technology as hardware, eg appliances, gadgets, toys.
Gadgets like
smartphones, laptops, and tablets have also become ever-present in daily life, allowing people to stay connected and productive on the go
Defining technology
Technology as software, eg applications, databases, websites.
Software is a
type of technology that powers many different systems and applications. it is not physical or tangible, but rather is embedded into and used in the hardware
Defining technology
Technology as software, eg applications, databases, websites.
Applications are a
type of software that is designed to perform specific tasks, such as word processing or photo editing
Defining technology
Technology as software, eg applications, databases, websites.
Databases are a
type of software that is used to store and manage large amounts of data, such as customer records or financial data
Defining Technology
Technology as software, eg applications, databases, websites.
Websites are a
type of software that is used to create and publish content on the internet
Defining technology
Technology as organisation of knowledge, eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment.
Technology has revolutionised the
organisation of knowledge in communications, media, the internet, and home entertainment
Defining technology
Technology as organisation of knowledge, eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment.
What has connected people globally?
email, instant message, and video conferencing have connected people globally - communications
Defining technology
Technology as organisation of knowledge, eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment.
The internet has made
information on virtually any subject accessible, and search engines and content curators have transformed how people access and interact with knowledge
Defining technology
Technology as organisation of knowledge, eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment.
Media is the
main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the internet) regarded collectively
Defining technology
Technology as organisation of knowledge, eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment.
Home entertainment technologies have
created new forms of media and brought people together around shared interests and experiences
Key Concept. Historical perspectives
The digital revolution is the
shift from mechanical and analog technology to digital electronics
Key Concept. Historical perspectives
the digital revolution encompasses the period from the
1970s to the present day, during which digital technology has had a profound impact on society, transforming the way we communicate, work and live
Key Concept. Historical perspectives
the digital revolution has brought about many
changes, including the widespread use of computers, the internet, and mobile devices
Key Concept. Historical perspectives
Positive impact of the digital revolution
the digital revolution has allowed us to communicate and connect with family members, friends, and colleagues from around the world like never before.
Key Concept. Historical perspectives
Negative impact of the digital revolution
some industries have become redundant, and individuals have lost jobs as a result
Key Concept. Historical perspectives
the information age refers to a
boarder period of time from the mid-20th century to the present day, during which information has become a valuable resource and has been used to drive the economic growth and societal change
Historical perspectives
the information age includes the
digital revolution, but also encompasses other technological advancements such as the development of television and radio broadcasting, and the widespread use of telephone and fax machines.
the information age came
before the digital age (1950s)
The information age era has also seen the
emergence of new industries and job opportunities related to technology, along with the development of new forms of communication and media, such as social networking and online news sources
positive impact of the information age
provides ample information
negative impact of the information age
information may not be accurate
Reasons for the development of technology
Improve upon existing technology:
One of the main reasons for the development of technology is to
improve upon existing technology
Reasons for the development of technology
Improve upon existing technology:
By building upon existing technology, people can
create new and improved products or systems that are more efficient, effective, or user-friendly
Reasons for the development of technology
Improve upon existing technology:
the development of technology often involves taking an
existing technology and finding ways to make it faster, smaller, cheaper, and more mobile and powerful. e.g. telephone –> phone
Reasons for the development of technology
Improve upon existing technology:
by developing existing technologies, people can create new
opportunities for innovation and growth, while addressing important social, economic, and environmental challenges
Reasons for the development of technology
Economic benefit:
The development of technology is often
driven by economic benefit
Reasons for the development of technology
Economic benefit:
New technologies can increase
productivity and efficiency, leading to cost savings and increased profits for businesses
Reasons for the development of technology
Economic benefit:
Additionally, the development and adoption of new technologies can create
new industries and jobs, further contributing to economic growth
Reasons for the development of technology
Economic benefit:
Finally, the use of technology can enable businesses to
expand their reach and access to new markets, both locally and globally
Reasons for the development of technology
Consumer demand and human needs:
consumer demand refers to people’s
desire for access to new and improved products that make their lives easier or more enjoyable
Reasons for the development of technology
Consumer demand and human needs:
consumer demand has driven companies to
invest in research and development to create better products that satisfy consumer needs
Reasons for the development of technology
Consumer demand and human needs:
As a society, we are constantly hungry for the
best technology. Whether it’s upgrading our phones, laptops, or game consoles, we demand new advancements and are often willing to pay a premium for the latest device
Reasons for the development of technology
Social betterment:
technology has improved society in numerous ways :
- it has made communication more efficient and accessible, allowing people to connect with one another across great distances
- in the field of medicine, where technological advancements have led to better treatment and cures for diseases prolonging life expectancy
- It has improved Transportation, making travel faster, safer, and more efficient
- Technology has also transformed the entertainment industry, providing access to a vast array of media and entertainment option
- Finally, technology has made many daily tasks simpler and more efficient, improving productivity and making life easier for many people
Reasons for the development of technology
The Global Community:
Communication technologies not only contribute to social betterment but also reflect
the emergence and growth of the global community.
Reasons for the development of technology
The Global Community:
Information technology has made worldwide communication
easy and instantaneous, enabling real-time conferences and meetings across continents.
Reasons for the development of technology
The Global Community:
This has improved
international relations and trade.
Reasons for the development of technology
The Global Community:
In addition, individuals and groups have become a part of the
‘global community’
Reasons for the development of technology
The Global Community:
Almost anyone, anywhere can access
goods, services, and information regarding almost anything
Reasons for the development of technology
The Global Community:
In many instances, technology has lessened the impact and prevalence of
isolation by linking people through a global community
Reasons for the development of technology
Response to social problems:
technology has enabled doctors to
perform complex surgeries with greater precision and accuracy, leading to improved patient outcomes
improving healthcare
Reasons for the development of technology
Response to social problems:
technology has made learning more
accessible and flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace and from anywhere in the world
improving education
Reasons for the development of technology
Response to social problems:
Technology has enabled communication to improve and become more
efficient, connecting people from all over the world and facilitating the sharing of ideas and knowledge
Reasons for the development of technology
Response to social problems:
protecting the environment through the development of
clean energy technologies and sustainable practices
sustainability
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Age:
Age can affect access to and acceptance of
technology across different age groups
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Age:
Some baby boomers may
resist new technologies and prefer traditional methods of communication and task completion, while others may be ore open to using technology if their social circle does so
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Age:
Gen Z is
tech-savvy and screen obsessed, relying on technology for learning entertainment, and communication. They use apps like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Snapchat for socialising and communication. They are more accepting of emerging technologies due to their familiarity and access to them
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Culture and Religion:
Culture and religion can play a
significant role in determining how readily people accept new technologies
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Culture and Religion:
Culture and religious factors such as
values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence how people perceive technology and how willing they are to adopt it.
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Culture and Religion:
Some cultures and religions may
prioritise tradition and be sceptical of new technologies, while others may be more willing to adopt them for the purpose of improving quality of life.
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Culture and Religion:
For example, the Amish community emphasizes
simplicity, community, and separation from the modern world due to their religious beliefs, so technology is limited. As a result, many Amish households do not have electricity or use modern appliances, and the use of technology is generally discouraged.
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Education:
Access to and acceptance of technology in the context of education can be influenced by multiple factors, including:
- availability of resources and funding
- the level of technological infrastructure
- the quality of training and support provided to educators
- the degree of emphasis placed on technology by the school
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Education:
disadvantaged schools may be more heavily impacted by certain factors, as they
may have less access to resources, funding, and infrastructure compared to more affluent schools
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Economic Status:
Economic status is a significant determinant of
access to and acceptance of technology
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Economic Status:
low-income individuals and families face
barriers accessing technology due to cost, infrastructure, and availability
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Economic Status:
in contrast, high-income individuals and families have
better access due to affordability.
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Economic Status:
Higher education and income levels often result in
greater technology acceptance, due to more exposure and proficiency. Conversely, lower education and income levels may lead to reluctance in adopting new technologies because of a lack of familiarity or affordability.
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Disability:
a person’s disability can greatly affect their
access to and use of emerging technologies
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Disability:
Many disabled individuals use
assistive technology to fulfil specific needs. For example, computers can be modified to help people with disabilities, such as magnification software for the visually impaired and simplified keyboards for those with learning difficulties
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Disability:
Conversely, having a disability can limit a
person’s ability to use a certain technology. For instance, those with intellectual disabilities may not legally be able to operate certain technologies, like driving a car. Meanwhile, individuals with cerebral palsy might have trouble using mobile phones due to their lack of fine motor skills needed for operating the screen
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Geographical location:
Urban communities have more
opportunities to access technology, including the internet, through libraries, community centres, and mobile phones
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Geographical location:
Rural communities in regional Australia may have limited
internet access, with some areas having no access at all and slow-speed internet in other areas. Mobile phone service is also limited, resulting in fewer people owning or operating a mobile phone
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Gender:
gender factors may have an impact
on access to and acceptance of technology
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Gender:
women are often underrepresented in fields related to
technology and science
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Gender:
They also face social and cultural barriers that
prevent them from fully participating in the digital world
Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
Gender:
efforts are being made to address this
issue and promote gender equality in technology
