The Impact of Socio-Technical Systems on the Emergence of Two Technologies - Essay Example

Comparing the Impact of Socio-Technical Systems on the Emergence of two Technologies   Introduction It is extensively acknowledged that implementing a socio-technical approach to system improvement results to systems that are suitable to end users. This in turn delivers improved value to the stakeholder. Socio-technical systems refer to systems that consider social, human, and organizational factors. In one way or the other, they have a long history and are projected in order to ensure that the organizational and technical factors of system are put into consideration accordingly. The outcome of relying on such system is to acquire a better understanding of how social, human, and organizational factors affect the manner in which work is done. It is worth comparing the impact of socio-technical systems on the emergence of two technologies, one developed before 1920 and one after in order to understand the difference. Reflecting on this context, this paper critically compares the impact of socio-technical systems. This is achieved through examining the use of technology in education, which dates back to 1920s, and the rebirth on advanced education through the increased reliance on technology. Comparing the Impact of Socio-Technical Systems on the Emergence of two Technologies The use of technology in education dates back to the 1920s. During this time many schools relied on programs such as television, films, and radio to augment their learning- teaching experience. The past of educational and instructional technology was quite different from what we have today (Kallinikos, 2010, p. 42). The change has been tremendous, and this has been as a result of continued technological advancements which have seen the development of computers, increased internet use, and provision of adequate instructions to the students and learners through the present day technologies. During the old days, educational technology greatly relied on the old fashion means in which a teacher would come to a lecturer room or a classroom and give notes through power point presentations (Headrick, 2000, p. 37). This would use a projector through which explanations would be given accordingly to the learners accordingly. However, this lies in the third generation of educational technology. The first generation comprised of structures through which the teacher would use the chalkboard and chalk in passing across the necessary instructions to the student (Wright, 2007, p. 28). This saw much time being wasted and inadequacy of the process. However, a number of benefits have always been associated with the process. This means the student shall be in a position getting the necessary communication skills from the lecturer or the tutor. The present developments in the instructional and educational technology have been brought about by the subsequent technological advancements that have been taking place today. This has involved the invention third, fourth and fifth generation computers which have proved useful and effective for current technological operations. Due to the invention and development of computers, there has been the development of internet which has been effective in improving the manner in which man communicates with each other and how information can be passed from one place to another (Latour, 2007, p. 48). The use of e-mails has improved the rate of communicating by reducing the time taken in the process by the greatest percentage ever. It is this kind of development that has brought these changes towards technological and instructional education. Since then there has been rapid technological development such as computers and the internet. These technologies have definitely altered the educational process and landscape. Several technologies are today available for improving the learning experience. Whenever there is educational breakthrough, similar advancements are noted with education. Some of them include ‘Wiki’ and ‘Clickers’ and have been found useful in the learning-teaching context (Wolf, 2008, p. 50). Others include blogs, power points, patient simulations, interactive smart boards and educational technology equipments. Wikis Wiki is one of the emerging technologies that can be widely used in a traditional education as well as in a virtual setting. Wiki is a new technology as well as an innovative approach in teaching. A wiki is a new form of website commonly used to allow the creation of interlinked sites that can be easily edited. This is achieved through use of text editors. These are powered by software and play a major role in increasing knowledge and teaching practice (Headrick, 2000, p. 49). Wiki is today used as an effective teaching tool. Wikis can be used in teaching because they have different paradigms used to support the learning approach. Examples include constructivist and paradigm approaches. The important thing about wikis is that they can be used for virtual learning as well traditional nursing classes. As we have noted, wikis have a complex instructional model making them compatible with the nursing educational frameworks with technology. Wikis are commonly characterized by powerful but unique features which help to share information. When it comes to cooperative learning processes, students can use wikis to form heterogeneous groups thus supporting their learning process. One thing about cooperative learning is that it has the capability of leading to interdependence between individuals (Wright, 2007, p. 48). This means that wikis can be usually virtually to improve learning process through software and internet applications. We can also have the traditional face-face learning approach in the educational process. This is because of the interaction and collaborative attribute presented by wikis. The cooperative teams are usually able achieve increased levels of communication hence promoting the learning process. These collaborative aspects of wikis are necessary and make them suitable for improving the learning process in a nursing class. The above technology is advantageous because it promotes instructional provision for nursing education. The education process becomes easy and everyone benefits accordingly. A lot of time is conserved through the use of wikis, and any other technology. The other advantage is because is that wikis can be used virtually as well as in the normal traditional class setting. These discussions give the major advantages of wikis in the learning process. However some disadvantages are common with the process. A lot of funds are needed to implement the wikis in the learning process. As well, training is necessary to make sure everything is comfortable with the learning process. Copyright issues have over the years been addressed whenever using new technological materials (Seeley & Duguid, 2000, 87). However, there are legislations permitting the use of wikis if they are used for educational purposes only. This is important to make sure the wiki software has not been used wrongly. Therefore the use of new technology can improve the learning experience in a teaching career. Frameworks for Selecting and Using Technology The use of new technology is necessary in the entire learning experience and was to be improved, especially in nursing. Healthcare is a very critical issue and should be provided to all people equally (May, 2002). This calls for approaches to train highly qualified nurses to provide patients with the necessary healthcare. Use of technology is an effective approach used to improve the educational process for nurses. Models or frameworks of instructional designs have frequently been used whenever developing new units for instruction in the learning process. This is done because they provide use with systematic methods and apply appropriate principles of learning and teaching. These models therefore act as problem-solving devices and help identify the problems and solve them. As an educator, my most applicable model is the ADDIE model. The use of Information Systems and Internet Technologies can greatly improve the operations of a business. The effective use and utilization of internet systems and technologies can be utilized as an essential tool of modeling and reshaping business processes. It is the understanding of businessmen that information technologies are playing a huge role in modern business. The organizational logic of a business includes diverse concepts, planning principles, decision-making procedures and use of information systems (Kallinikos, 2010, p. 64). A small high quality restaurant can adequately use information systems to improve their business operations. In this paper we will produce a business report to guide the owners of a small high quality restaurant improve their business operations. Overview of Information Systems and Internet Technologies Information and ideas are exchanged within an organization to ensure there is integrity and also improve the effectiveness of social processes. This requires the use of information systems which can process ideas for a business enterprise therefore improving the operations and service delivery. A modern information system also included internet-based connections (Wolf, 2008, p. 81). The systems usually have different components interconnected in such a way that they promote business activities. The systems are mostly made of software and hardware elements that work together to process a certain kind of information. Information systems can be used differently depending on the intended purpose and business expectations. For instance, we have information management systems, decision support systems, and control systems. However, a system for a business integrates most of the elements because it usually has several duties and operations which need to be monitored and taken care of. A typical information system includes data, procedures, software, hardware and people (Wright, 2007, p. 72). From a managerial view, the system includes all the people and the business processes. Any business should find these systems very useful in improving the operations performed and also mentoring the workers effectively. Internet-based information systems promote communication, decision making, service delivery and management procedures. This will definitely help a small business such a high quality restaurant realize its business potential. Role of Information Systems and Internet Technologies in Business Today information technologies and all internet-based Information Systems have become very significant in promoting and expanding business operations. For instance, the use of information technology help different forms of businesses improve the effectiveness and efficiency of businesses practices, managerial operations, decision making, and workgroup collaboration. The approach strengthens the competitive positions of a business in the rapidly growing and changing environment (Headrick, 2000, p. 37). In different business organizations, information technology is effectively used to support customer service, developing teams, product improvement, enhancing electronic commerce and all other forms of business activities. The use of internet based technologies and information systems have presently become an important ingredient for business survival and success due to the changing dynamics of the global environment. The knowledge and acquisition of information systems is very important for organizations and business professionals in identifying the benefits obtained from e-business. Electronic business (e-business) is a new dimension in business management and practice which involves the use of internet connections and technologies to network and promote business activities. For e-business to be done competently, there is always the need to have internet and appropriate information systems. When this is achieved, most of the business practices are improved such as servicing, marketing, delivery of products and communication. The use of internet and information systems can therefore play a huge role in promoting the operations of a small high quality restaurant (Latour, 2007, p. 61). Although the systems and connections might be complex, the rewards are great and will help increase profits. We have three major fundamental reasons why all business should be ready to adopt new information systems and internet technologies. These are vital roles that all information systems can effectively perform for a given business enterprise. These include supporting the business operations and processes, supporting business strategies thus improving its competitive advantage, and improving the decision making processes by the managers, employees and directors. The modern use of internet and information technologies has helped boost business operations, decision making and enterprise collaboration. In order to adopt a professional information system, the high quality restaurant should acquire different materials. For instance, an information system is composed of hardware, extensive software, networks, and internet connections. There are also a number of resources needed to perform output, input, control activities, storage, and transforming the processing data into useful information products (Seeley & Duguid, 2000, 94). The restaurant will thus be required to upgrade from their very basic computer facilities and acquire new resources and materials to make the system classic, modern and effective. Bibliography Headrick, D. (2000) When Information Came of Age. Oxford UP. Kallinikos, J. (2010) Governing Through Technology: Information Artifacts and Social Practice. Palgrave Macmillan Latour, B. (2007) Reassembling the Social: An Introduction to Actor Network Theory. Oxford University Press. May, C. (2002) The Information Society: A skeptical view. Polity Press Seeley, J. & Duguid, P. (2000) The Social Life of Information. Harvard Business. Wolf, M. (2008) Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain. Icon Books. Wright, A. (2007) Glut: Mastering Information Through the Ages. 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