Technology has impacted all aspects of modern life from the sublime of planetary science to the mundane of changing gear while driving a car or brushing teeth. It’s also a key part of how we communicate, travel and work. While it is impossible to assess the full impact, a few key areas where technology has had an important role to play are Education, Communication, and Productivity.
In the consumer world, the word ‘technology’ is primarily associated with gadgets – mobile phones, the internet, TV’s, HiFi’s and cars etc. In an enterprise or business environment, the term often focuses on what’s known as IT – Information Technology – computers, networks, servers, software and storage. However, both approaches are equally important.
Democratisation of knowledge
One of the key benefits of technology is that it has allowed for easy access to knowledge and information, especially when compared to previous generations where people had limited access. Nowadays, it’s possible to study almost anything online from the comfort of a home or office. This has had a positive effect on the education sector too, with more and more schools using the internet to give their students the best learning experience possible.
Increases productivity
In most industries, the use of technology has improved the efficiency and quality of products and services. Whether it is in blue-collar or white-collar roles, the use of new software and productivity apps has helped reduce errors, speed up processes and cut down on red tape. This has enabled workers to achieve more in a shorter period of time with better results.
New technologies enable businesses to create new products and services, expand their markets, and shape their business models. As a result, they can grow and improve their bottom line by eliminating waste and increasing profits. This is why so many new technologies are adopted, with most of them paying for themselves within a few years of being introduced.
Improved communication
Technology has streamlined the way we communicate, making it faster and more efficient. Whereas in the past it might have taken days to send a letter, now we can tweet, text, tumble or email a message from anywhere in the world. In the workplace, technological advances have allowed us to collaborate more easily with colleagues and clients, no matter where they are in the world.
The introduction of technology into the classroom has helped prepare students for the technical working environments they will encounter once they leave school. Whether it is through websites like epals where children can connect and share their educational experiences or software suites like myViewBoard that allows collaboration on projects with people all over the globe, students are learning to use technology in ways that will help them in future professional life. This will undoubtedly lead to greater creativity and innovative thinking. It also opens up a world of opportunities for students to learn from other cultures and broaden their perspectives.