Technology is a broad category of human activity, including inventions, products, and services, that use scientific knowledge to change or manipulate the physical environment. This includes engineering, construction, medicine, and computer science.
Technological development is driven by an array of social and economic forces. Decisions about what technologies are undertaken, paid attention to, invested in, and used are influenced by a balance of government policy, local and national regulations, media attention, tax incentives, research funding, and market competition.
Optimal design must take into account these constraints, as well as personal and social values. The balance of such factors can encourage some technological systems and discourage others.
As technologies become more sophisticated, they often require extensive training and education for their designers, builders, maintainers, and users. This can be a disadvantage for some people.
In addition, the cost of developing and using new technologies is often high. This can lead to financial inequity and inequality.
Technology has also benefited many students by making it possible for them to access a variety of programs and information sources at the click of a button. This can increase the amount of material a student learns while also allowing him to be more involved in learning activities.