Technology is a process of producing tools, machines, devices, and systems to achieve practical goals. It includes both tangible products of invention and intangible ones, such as software.
Business-focused definitions of technology tend to focus on information technology (IT), including computers, networks, servers, and software. But even within these fields, the scope of technology is much broader.
Technologists are people who develop new ideas for making tools, machines, and devices that solve problems or make life easier, usually using existing knowledge in science and engineering. But the word “technology” is also used to describe people who design and construct things that do not yet exist.
It is important to note that technological innovation is shaped by social and economic forces, ranging from government policy to the market. It is also influenced by the values of a society at a particular time.
For example, social norms, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs often influence what technologies are preferred. They also affect whether and how new technologies are regulated or how they are marketed, where they are developed, and what they can accomplish.
Another significant factor in the success or failure of technologies is their environmental impact. In some cases, technological changes can have negative consequences, such as resource depletion and pollution.
Technology may also have positive effects, such as advancing literacy and education. It can also promote social cohesion, thereby contributing to human prosperity. It can also create opportunities for curriculum and instruction that are not available in traditional school settings, allowing students to explore and learn through real-world problems.