Modern Technology in Learning and in the Industries - Essay Example

Course: Tutor: Name: Date: Introduction Technology refers to the study or skills involved in the usage of tools or systems aimed at making work easier. Modern technology is comprised of tools, machinery and production systems that have been developed by man to make his life easier. Technology has played a key role in industrialization as well as civilization as it is often used as a measuring tool to rate modernization around the world. Before modern tools were developed, man had to mechanically undertake all duties without any external assistance. However, with the invention of a variety of modern technology devices, a lot has changed in terms of making work easier. This essay outlines the benefits availed by devices such as mobile phones, iphones, portable computers and computer software that execute plenty of tasks. Discussion Modern technology in learning The internet which is present in numerous mobile phones as well as computers is a great source of information for students undertaking research work. The internet has a fully stocked library that has become the best source of material especially when they have to develop projects. Similarly, modern technology has also assisted teachers and other instructors to gather sufficient content which is reliable as most of the internet books are authored by scholars. Therefore, students no longer have to peruse every book in the library to sufficient information for their assignments (Smart Classrooms, 1). Consequently, the internet which is accosted together with modern technology has proved to be essential among distance learners as well as their trainers. With virtual classrooms, the teacher is in a position to instruct students in all corners of the world from the comfort of their homes. The other element is use of video conferencing and Skype which provide sufficient room for interactions between the instructor and students. This modern technology has made it possible for students in areas which are often affected by natural catastrophes for instance snow to continue with their lessons despite the weather conditions (Smart Classrooms, 1). Teaching has been made easier for the instructor as they may as well use PowerPoint presentations or projectors to deliver lesson contents. This is unlike earlier on when chalk and marker pens were used on board. The advantage of technology is this case is that the instructor is able to conduct the lesson much faster as no writing is made the course of the lesson. Consequently, use of databases has made it easier to track student performance throughout their learning period. This information is often presented as a graph which is easy to interpret hence time wastage is cut down when analyzing academic performance (Smart Classrooms, 1). Modern technology at home Our homes are comfort zones where we retreat after a days work to rest and freshen up in readiness for the next day and it is one area where plenty of advanced technology has been employed to enhance this comfort. For instance, robots have been developed to undertake almost all duties which are done by man. Furthermore, trimming the lawn, serving meals, cleaning the house amongst other duties are often dedicated to robots which are built is such a way that they are capable of doing human activities. This makes it even better for people who have busy schedules as technology is used as an extra hand (Jin, 1). Robots are programmed in a way that they do not make mistakes unlike human beings. These are often connected to computer programs which control their activities that are often automated. Consequently, as fewer errors are experienced, then they become they cheaper option as compared to nannies who tend to be very forgetful. Time is also conserved as occupants of the house can engage in other activities as the robot undertakes the key chores around the house (Jin, 1). The other advantage of technology around the house includes use of televisions which are multi-channeled so that the viewer can get information or see what is happening all over the world from various channels. This is also accounts for the capability to automatically copy content in a given channel so that it can be viewed later by those who never got a chance to view it at the time when it was being aired (Darin, 2). Similarly, other machines that have made life easier at home include blenders, dishwashers, potato peelers, dispensers, remote controls, coffee makers among others. Therefore, roles which used to take a lot of time especially washing dishes or clothes are carried out by machines hence saving on time courtesy of modern technology. The living room is not the only place that has been transformed by modern technology but the bathroom too has been enhanced. Automated bath tubs and showers which contain heated water only to the right temperature is a far cry from the boilers which existed in yester years. Similarly, the spas, saunas and Jacuzzis are present today as a result of advanced technology (Frank, 114). The other additions to modern technology at home are the home theaters and gymnasiums. Traditionally, people used to visits major towns or centers to shed off a few calories in the name of exercising. However, today most health conscious people have invested in gymnasium equipment which has been installed at home for the sole aim of exercising. The home theaters have also reduced trips to cinema halls as people can now watch movie premieres at home using facilities similar to those used in the cinema halls Jin, 1). Employees have also been able to keep track of their work at the office by use of computers that are internet enabled. Consequently, most of the employees and workers have been able to engage in flexible working hours as well as work while on holiday as compared to some few years ago when workers had to be physically present at the workplace. This has lead to development of home offices that are fully furnished so that the individual is able to sustain their competence. Most of the home offices are fitted with equipment such as air conditioners and heaters to create a relaxed atmosphere which often contributes to commendable results (Darin, 56). Individuals who are always busy and lack time to carry out their shopping are now able to request or purchase products online while still at work. Payment for the shopping is made online as technology has allowed shoppers to use debit and credit cards that are electronically recognized. These cards make it easy to pay for expenses as long as there are funds in the holders account. Technology has also made it possible for the online shop to deliver the purchased goods to the customer’s doorstep the same day. Therefore, based on these tasks that have been made easy courtesy of modern technology, it is apparent that homes have been key beneficiaries or services brought about by advanced technology (Frank, 87). Children have also developed past time activities which are related to modern technology. For instance, most of the video games are operated on programs or software developed using advanced technology. The iphones and ipods that are used as sources of music videos in addition to latest movies which are uploaded via the internet are part of modern technology as the technology that is used in the manufacturing of these gadgets is current (Jin, 1). The other modern technology software that has made life for the young people more interesting is the social network present online. Social networking sites have transformed socializing as more and more individuals around the world make friends with their counterparts from other corners of the world. The social sites include Facebook, Google+, Twitter and others which are coming up each and everyday. The high demand of social sites is evident in the high rate at which new sites are emerging each day. The social sites have made it easier for people to communicate without having to send letters or moving out of the comfort of their homes (Donald and Wajcman, 50). Modern technology in the industries Modern technology has created numerous avenues which have been used by marketers to carry out advertising and product promotion. Unlike in the ancient times when radio, newspapers, poster and television were the only media used during advertising, today there thousands of avenues all which are technology related. For instance, use of websites, email and electronic billboards are triggered by advanced technology. Consequently, business transactions are made via mobile phones or use of chart rooms while payments are wired electronically across the world (Darin, 17). This has transformed the entire industrial environment as there are also some tasks that are entirely conducted by machines as compared to manpower. Take an example of farm activities such as milking cows, shearing sheep, harvesting wheat and tilling land which were done manually in the ancient times. Consequently, back at the workplace, computers have basically taken over human tasks which are sensitive and have no room for errors. Automated robots have also been put in place to ensure processing or manufacturing plants are run as usual even in the absence of human beings (Jin, 1). Other areas which have benefited from modern technology include the department of defense and the police who have employed special detectors to identify criminals. Tracking devices have also been developed to trace criminals hence they are arrested before they engage in any criminal activity. Security providers have used closed circuit televisions (CCTV) to monitor customer activities in banking halls so as to curb any potential criminal activity. The same technology is also used to identify law breakers especially on roads or other public institutions (Boyle, 1). Conclusion In conclusion, modern technology has positively changed our lives as so many activities have been made easier to undertake as compared to the time when technology was not advanced. It is vital to point out that though at present, there are thousands of devices and gadgets that have significantly transformed our lives, more sophisticated technology is being developed each day hence we are yet to see the end of benefits accorded by modern technology. Works Cited Boyle Rebecca. Image recognition software can help cops ID gang graffiti automatically. retrieved on November 18, 2011 from; http://www.popsci.com/technology. 2011 Darin Barney, One Nation Under Google, Toronto: House of Anansi Press, 2007 Donald A. MacKenzie and Judy Wajcman, "Introductory Essay" in The Social Shaping of Technology, 2nd ed. (Buckingham, England : Open University Press, 1999. Frank Popper. From Technological to Virtual Art, Leonardo Books, MIT Press .2007 Jin, Sun. Advantages and disadvantages of advanced technology. Retrieved on November 18, 2011 from: http://scienceray.com/technology/information/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-advanced-technology/. 2008. Smart Classrooms. Great advantages of technology in the classroom. Retrieved on November 18, 2011 from: http://www.c-smart.org/great-advantages-of-technology-in-the-classroom.htm. 2011. Read More