Technology in the U.S. Today

Remember… In the early 1960s, President Kennedy pledged increased support for the American space program. The race to the moon continued through the 1960s. – U.S. astronaut John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth. – In 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first person to step onto the moon’s surface. He proclaimed, “That’s one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.”

1980s Sally Ride was the first female American astronaut.

Most Recently Improved technology and media have brought about better access to communication and information for businesses and individuals in both urban and rural areas. As a result, many more Americans have access to global information and viewpoints.

Technological advancements in Space Exploration Space shuttle – gives humans the ability to go to space. Mars rover – allows scientists to study Mars. Voyager missions – attempts to study what is outside our solar system. Hubble telescope – captures images of the depths of space.

Images from the Hubble telescope

Technological Advancements in Communications Communications – Satellites – Global positioning system (GPS) – Personal communications devices Robotics – Allow faster production or used for medical purposes.

How this changes school, work, and health care… Telecommuting – Able to talk to many people or people in other countries (think Skype or FaceTime) Online course work Growth of service industries – Need people to teach others how to use these technologies Outsourcing and off-shoring – Getting goods from a foreign supplier – Taking some aspect of a business overseas Breakthroughs in medical research, including improved medical diagnostic and imaging technologies (MRIs, CAT Scans, PET Scans, etc.)