In education, technology can take many forms. It can refer to a full range of computer equipment, its associated operating systems, networking, tool software, and related resources. It can also refer to the use of technology to support instruction and school administration. The guide focuses on the issues and questions that decision makers and users of technology in education need to consider when deciding whether to implement technology in education.
Technology has changed human society and culture over the course of history. It began with the conversion of natural resources into simple tools. Humans used fire in prehistoric times to increase food supplies. They also used the wheel to travel around their environment. Some technologies made communication easier by reducing physical barriers, such as the printing press and telephone. Other forms of technology, such as the Internet, have made travel easier and more convenient. However, not all technological progress has been positive. In history, technological advancements have been followed by the development of weapons with increasing destructive power.
In a broader sense, technology can be defined as the application of science and knowledge to solve practical problems in all walks of life. Technology can encompass simple things like a needle, or the discovery of a new way to produce energy. More advanced technologies can include smart cities, advanced artificial intelligence, and quantum computers.