Technology is the application of knowledge for achieving practical goals in an organized and reproducible way. This can include both tangible tools, such as utensils and machines, and intangible technology, such as software and processes. Technology is essential to science for the purposes of measurement, data collection, treatment of samples, computation, transportation to research sites (such as Antarctica and the ocean floor), sample collection, and communication with others working in different parts of the world.
It also includes all of the social systems that support technology, such as language, rituals, values, commerce, and the arts. The richness of technology as an analytical category opens up new areas for research. In fact, a whole new field of study, interpretative sociology of technology, has emerged to analyze the social construction of technologies and their impacts.
Whether for better or for worse, most new technologies come with side effects. Often these have a large impact on human health and the environment, but some of them are less visible. For example, refrigerators may produce tiny leaks of toxic gases that can affect the earth’s atmosphere.
One of the most positive side effects of modern technology is that it makes people more self-sufficient in their academic pursuits. EdTech methods enhance cognitive skills such as reading, interpretation, learning, memorizing, thinking and using logic, which have a huge impact on students in the long run. With the help of this technology, students can prepare their lessons and write papers without the assistance of teachers. In addition, they can also access a wide variety of educational materials on the internet including scientific articles and journals, research papers, informative websites, educational videos, tutorials/guidebooks, etc.