Humanity has always made use of technology. The stick that became a hoe probably was also used to sketch designs on the sand. In the broadest sense, technology extends our abilities to change the world: to cut, shape, or put together materials; to move things from one place to another; to reach farther with our hands, voices, and senses.
We use technology to try to change the world to suit us better. But the results of changing the world are often complicated and unpredictable. They can included unexpected benefits, unexpected costs, and unexpected risks - any of which may fall on different social groups at different times. Technology has economic, social, ethical, and aesthetic ramifications that depend on where it is used and on people’s attitudes toward its use. As technology advances accelerate, it is critical that our students have the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about its use.