What is it and why is it important to study it?

 The Study of the human quest for SOLUTIONS  Gives us the tools and devices that make day to day life easier.  Generates solutions in response to problems.  Each new development, invention, and product has the potential to effect change in our society and our world. Technology:

First of all, what is TECHNOLOGY? From various dictionaries: 1. The branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science. 2. The terminology of an art, science, etc.; technical nomenclature. 3. A technological process, invention, method, or the like. 4. The sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization.

“Technology is defined as the human process of applying knowledge to satisfy our needs and wants and to extend our capabilities.” For our purposes, we’ll use a textbook definition:

So what is the difference between Science and Technology ? Science seeks to answer questions about the natural universe. It tries to explain and describe our physical world. It asks the questions WHY? (why is the sky blue, why does metal rust) Technology seeks to solve problems, expand our abilities, and adapt our environment. It asks the questions HOW? (how can we lift a heavy load, how can be generate heat in the winter)

OK, now what is a SYSTEM? The term is used all the time such as: -I just put a stereo system in my car. -The circulatory system includes the heart, veins, and arteries. -The voltage melted the wires and disabled the electrical system. -The nervous system is what controls the muscles in your body. -Check to cars fuel system for problems if it suddenly stops running. So what does it really mean?

“A group or combination of interrelated, interdependent, or interacting elements forming a collective entity; a methodical or coordinated assemblage of parts, facts, concepts, etc.” Collins English Dictionary – Complete and UnabridgedCollins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003 One online definition:

Important elements of a SYSTEM: 1.It is a group of inter-related parts. 2.It is an organized “thing” not just something that happens. 3.All parts are working together to accomplish one given task. 4.If one part fails the entire “thing” generally stops working correctly. 5.It ALWAYS has some type of impact—sometimes good, sometimes bad. So……

Let’s define a SYSTEM as: “A group of separate components working together in a planned and organized way to accomplish a given task.”

So what is a “TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM?”

Putting together of definitions we have developed, we can state the following: “A technology system is the human process of applying knowledge, materials, and machines to satisfy our needs and wants and to extend our capabilities.”

This definition of technology can best be shown with the Systems Model

Inputs are those things needed to make something happen: -energy-materials -capital ($$$)-tools/machines -labor (people)-time -knowledge (information)

The process step is the “ing” of the model—transporting, manufacturing, communicating, and constructing. All the activities needed for the system to give the expected output are included here. This is what people usually see “happening”.

The output is our “goal” for the system. It includes everything that results from the input and processes parts of the system operating—both positive and negative!

IMPORTANT! There are ALWAYS outputs/results from technological decisions! They include: Planned POSITIVE results—what you really wanted to happen. (the car moves down the road well) Planned NEGATIVE results—what you don’t want but will accept. (the car does put out some pollutants) Unplanned POSITIVE results—you like it, but didn’t plan it. (the car is a smash hit with people) Unplanned NEGATIVE results—you hate it and didn’t see it coming! (the car’s engine will catch fire easily!)

The feedback step is often overlooked, but may be the most important. This is where the system is evaluated and the outcomes are measured to see if the overall goals of the system were met. This is also where we look for ways to improve the system.