What is Technology. Its importance in the development of Human Civilisation.pptx

This presentation explains Technology as an important element in Human Culture. It charts the development of technology from primeval times to the modern epoch. It emphasizes the importance of technology in the development of human societies on Earth and its crucial role in Human Progress.

1. What is Technology? Ray Vassallo

2. Ancient Technology Ancient Greek and Roman historians recorded that during the siege of Syracuse in 212 BC, Archimedes (a notably smart person) constructed a burning glass to set the Roman warships, anchored within bow and arrow range, afire.

3. Greek Fire

4. Pharos Lighthouse at Alexandria

5. 19 Century Design for a Tank

6. Tesla’s Death Ray

7. Non-natural objects of all kinds manufactured by humans. Usage 1: Hardware or Artifacts

8. The process of manufacturing hardware Manufacturing of equipment People who operate the equipment Eg . The Assembly Line vs Artisanship All elements needed to manufacture a particular kind of hardware. The complete working system: Inputs: people, machinery, resources, processes, legal, economic, political and physical environment. Usage 2: Socio-technical system of manufacture

9. Usage 3: Knowledge, Technique, Know-How, Methodology

10. Usage 4: Socio-technical System of Use What we do with the hardware after it’s manufactured. Without the system = object without purpose

11. Depends on time… What is Technology?

12. Depends on social class … What is Technology?

13. Animals use systems  beavers, ants, etc. Humans  innovations to improve the system Without the systems  humans would not exist or we would be powerless: few in number and not important. With systems= masters of the planet

14. What is Technology?

15. 1. Technology Trigger A breakthrough, public demonstration, product launch or other event generates significant press and industry interest. 2. Peak of Inflated Expectations During this phase of over-enthusiasm and unrealistic projections, a flurry of well-publicised activity by technology leaders results in some successes, but more failures, as the technology is pushed to its limits. The only enterprises making money are conference organisers and magazine publishers. 3. Trough of Disillusionment Because the technology does not live up to its overinflated expectations, it rapidly becomes unfashionable. Media interest wanes, except for a few cautionary tales. 4. Slope of Enlightenment Focused experimentation and solid hard work by an increasingly diverse range of organisations lead to a true understanding of the technology’s applicability, risks and benefits. Commercial off-the-shelf methodologies and tools ease the development process. 5. Plateau of Productivity The real-world benefits of the technology are demonstrated and accepted. Tools and methodologies are increasingly stable as they enter their second and third generations. Growing numbers of organisations feel comfortable with the reduced level of risk; the rapid growth phase of adoption begins. Approximately 20% of the technology’s target audience has adopted or is adopting the technology as it enters this phase

16. Technology Cycle