Technology as knowledge:
- The knowledge that deals with the processing of materials, energy, and information is technology.
- Knowledge is acquired through doing. It is developed as a result of engaging in technological activity, particularly problems solving.
- Technological knowledge is a requirement for “technological literacy”.
Technology is the human process of applying knowledge to satisfy our needs and wants and to extend our capabilities.
Technology: The practical application of scientific knowledge.
System: A group of parts working together to achieve a common goal.
Four distinct parts of a closed system:
Input: The resources that allow a system to work.
The six main types of input are:
Process: The word that a system performs through making use of the resources (input) to reach a goal (output).
Three types of process:
- Involves changing the size, shape and physical, chemical or electrical characteristics of matter
- The driving force behind the Industrial Revolution.
- 6 types of energy – Mechanical, light, electrical, thermal, nuclear, chemical
- Involves the manipulation of one more types of energy.
- All systems involve some sort of energy processing.
- Information age – computers aid us in processing huge amounts of information in a very short period of time.
Output: - The desired goal of any gives system.
- 4 types
1. Expected – Desired
2. Expected – Undesired
3. Unexpected – Desired
4. Unexpected – Undesired
Feedback: The way that a system verifies whether or not the type I output is achieved. It is also how we find out about the other three types of output as well.
Technology has three components:
Technology is defined as the way by which people meet their needs and wants, and opportunities it is also strategy.
Technological activity consists of problem- solving processes often classified as design.
Technology is more then product!
Solving problems with technology most often results in creation of new problems expected and otherwise (types 2- 4 output)
Trade off: When we accept the reality that is solving problems, we create more.
Products:
- Recyclable
- Efficient
- Quick, cheap, and easy
- Smaller
- Do more; more advanced
- Require higher level of tech. literacy
- Use less resources
- Environmentally friendly
* The impacts become the focus
* Human progresses best characterized by change
2 basic beliefs concerning resources:
- Named after Thomas Malthus
- Rapid increase in world population is faster then the ability to supply food = war
- Generally food shortages are politically based… Not quantifiable.
- Horn of plenty
- Population growth is good and necessary for human survival because it leads to a better society.
* Human innovation will solve all shortage problems.
It is human nature to make fun of and/or destroy that which we do not understand.
Technology: Curse or Answer?
- Ned Lud (18th century)
- Luddites
- Went around destroying the weaving machines
The waste steam
- The flow of humanity’s garbage into the natural environment.
- We control it by:
1) controlling what we produce
2) controlling our disposal practices.
- 4 ways of disposal:
1) landfills – most common
2) incineration
3) recycling
4) alternatives
Evolution: gradual (and logical) development.
Points for consideration:
- Computing devices predate modern electronics by centuries!
- Earliest devices were “analog”.
- Evolution of purpose for computers
- Computers are in almost everything
- Computers perform control functions formerly or pneumatic systems
- Computers are used to control (sense, switch, regulate) aspects of the environment
System: a group of parts working together to achieve a common goal.
Three main components (basic structure of all systems):
Sub- system: a system contained within a system. It acts as a component of a larger whole. That is, it is designed to perform some functions or task within a larger system.
Natural vs. Devised
A natural system is one that occurs in nature (eg. the solar system; the human digestive system, etc.) without any influence on the part of humanity.
A Devised system is one that is constructed or influenced by human intervention (eg. a tunnel system; an irrigation system; a computer system, etc.)
Technological
Most closed loop systems have open loop system components.
Computer: a machine designed to process information.
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Scanner
- CPU
-Monitor/Printer
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Scanner
- Microphone
- Web cam
- Digital camera
- Light pen/telewriter
- Modem
- CD Rom/Disc Drives
- Modem
- Printer
- Monitor
- Speakers
- Burner/disk drives
When one is faced with a problem or one recognizes an opportunity for problem solving, there is a specific process which s/he must follow to achieve his/her desired goal. Firstly, it should be noted that a Problem is an immediate circumstance which requires action. An example could be the need for a new Gymnasium. An Opportunity is quite similar to a problem but it is not something which is an immediate issue which needs resolving. An example could be creating a new keyboard design for a PC. The keyboard that is already widely used is quite functional but perhaps someone has an idea on how to improve it. In any case, whether the situation is Problematic or Opportunistic, the fact remains that a specific process must be followed (whether the "solver" is aware of it or not). Designers call this process The Design Loop.
The Design Loop
Technological Dilemmas
Steps
Design Brief: The problem situation is organized and narrowed into a concise (ie. BRIEF) report highlighting all elements of the project to be undertaken.
Investigation and Research: This step in the Design Loop involves...
Generating Alternate Solutions: This step is quite difficult as it incorporates a variety of skills such as lateral thinking, critical thinking and problem solving abilities, creativity, patience, visualization, sketching and drawing technical skills, etc. Do NOT underestimate this step... a wrong move here could ruin an entire project.
Choosing a Solution: Again, this step requires critical thinking skills and a definite sense of objectivity. Here one has to:
Developing the Solution: This often involves sketching, illustrating, charting, graphing, mathematical development, verbal descriptions, computer simulations, functional and visual models, technical drawing, rendering, etc.
Modeling and Prototyping: No longer a theory or concept, it is here that the selected solution is put into action. Knowledge of materials, tools and processes, energy, information, etc... basically the entire design brief. It is important to stick to the plan here but also to be dynamic enough in practice to vary a little when needed. No plan is perfect.
Testing and Evaluation: Once the solution has been developed and a prototype has been constructed, it is time to try out the solution. It must be a true test which gauges the results -- does the solution do what was desired? Does it have all expected Outputs? Are there any unexpected Outputs? To gauge the results appropriately the testing ought to be performed in a realistic (or better yet, an actual) situation. Once all testing has been done, an objective evaluation of the various types of Outputs is necessary. Extreme objectivity and skills of critical analysis are essential at this stage. If it is determined that the prototype is not satisfactory... back to the development stage or in technical terms "the drawing board!"
