The history of mankind has witnessed both revolutionary and catastrophic events, but nothing could change our lives on such a huge scale as the advent of technology did. Not only our society as a whole, but our individual lives are also being changed by technology. Every new intervention reshaped our lives. It has affected the way we think, learn, and communicate.
We often hear that: “Technology has changed society in many ways.”
There is no doubt in that. However, technology impacts our society mainly in the following three ways:
- Education
- Communication
- Transportation
How technology affects our education?
If we look back, the invention of Printing Press revolutionized the spread of knowledge. But that was just a glimpse of what this current technology is capable of. With current technological advancement, access to information has become easier than ever. The way we learn has also greatly affected.
Let’s discuss in detail.
Classroom environment & teaching methodology
A classroom without a smartboard, computer, and multimedia seem obsolete. Moreover, every student is connected and engaged in the learning process. The environment totally paperless but notes are still taken and recorded in a much better way.
The teacher is able to explain everything through video example. On-hand quizzes are taken, results are announced right away, and everybody learns what’s the right answer. Moreover, assignments are given through email, topics are discussed in groups using social media services, and new ideas are learnt/published right through a 6-inch screen.
Distance learning
Nobody is away from the learning centre. Distance learning, using technology, has brought teachers at students’ doorstep. Not only courses but full-fledged degrees are awarded through distance (online) learning.
Simulators
Simulators have brought extensive levels of learning with safety into an educational system. Pilots, doctors, scientists, and several other major fields take advantage of simulators. Simulators provide real experiences with simulating equipment and virtual reality.
How technology affects our communication?
The world has become a global village. It due to the introduction of fast and reliable communication systems which allow us to contact each other seamlessly from the other side of the world. From the invention of a wired telephone system in 1876 to the invention of the internet in 1983, the communication technology has squeezed the distance into seconds.
Here we mention a few changes:
- News are updated and spread in seconds
- Feelings are shared and expressed among individuals and to the world in seconds through chatting and email services.
- Video calls enabled us to see our loved ones.
- Digital art has started speaking to us through colours.
How technology affects our transportation?
The phrase “reach for the sky” has become literally. We can find no better example of the effects of technology on transportation than the landing on the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
We could travel on the surface of the water. Now, we can travel under too. We could walk or run on the ground. Now, we can fly too.
Here’s how technology has impacted the way we travel:
- Travelling has become more comfortable and faster (less time consuming).
- The availability of transport has changed. Cars, busses, trains, ships, and aeroplanes are all there to facilitate us.
- Mobility has become a luxury. (As a person with a limousine or private jet)
- Travelling has become safer and reliable.
- Easy payment methods.
- Travelling with luggage, having something to eat, and safety from the intensity of weather; everything has become easier.
In the end, I would say that technology has and is reshaping our lives on many levels. At the same time, it comes with some serious negative effects. Therefore, we must inculcate the positive use of technology in our society.
In the past few years we saw how Tesla autopilot improved its self driving program and how much it can help the driver drive more safely