Technology Basics
What is meant by the term technology?
The development and application of tools, materials, knowledge and processes to meet needs and solve problems.
What is the main reason technologies are developed?
To meet human needs and/or solve problems.
What is meant by access to technology?
An individual's or group's ability or opportunity to obtain and use technology.
Identify ONE area of lifestyle that technology can influence.
Examples include:
Identify ONE ethical issue associated with technological development.
Examples include privacy, security, surveillance, unequal access or the collection and use of personal information.
Identify the THREE types of technology studied in CAFS.
Identify TWO reasons why new technologies may be developed
What is meant by acceptance of technology?
The willingness of an individual or group to adopt and use a technology.
Give ONE positive impact technology can have on family life.
Examples include easier communication, reduced household workload, greater access to information, increased leisure time or the ability to work or study from home.
What is meant by the digital divide?
The gap between individuals or groups who have effective access to digital technologies and those who do not.
A family uses a robot vacuum cleaner to reduce the time spent cleaning. Which type of technology is this?
Household technology.
Explain how the desire to improve quality of life can lead to technological development.
Technologies may be developed to make tasks safer, easier, faster or more convenient, potentially improving an individual's lifestyle and wellbeing.
Identify THREE factors that may affect a person's access to technology.
Examples include:
Explain ONE way technology can have a negative impact on relationships.
Excessive reliance on technology may reduce face-to-face interaction or create communication difficulties, potentially affecting relationships and social wellbeing.
Explain how technological development can create inequality within society.
People with greater financial resources, education, infrastructure or technological skills may benefit more from new technologies, while disadvantaged groups may have limited access.
Explain why technology is not limited to computers and electronic devices.
Technology includes the application of knowledge, processes, tools and systems designed to meet human needs. It can therefore include household, medical, transport and communication technologies, not simply digital devices.
An ageing population leads to increased development of technologies that help people live independently at home. What has influenced this technological development?
A changing social need. As the characteristics and needs of the population change, technologies may be developed to respond to these needs.
A person living in a remote community wants to use telehealth but has unreliable internet access. Explain the factor affecting their access to technology.
Location. Geographic isolation and limited telecommunications infrastructure can restrict access to reliable internet and therefore reduce the person's ability to use the technology.
Explain how technology can have both positive and negative impacts on employment.
Technology can create new jobs, increase productivity and allow flexible working arrangements. However, automation may reduce the need for some jobs or require workers to retrain and develop new skills.
Explain ONE environmental issue associated with rapidly changing technology.
Frequent replacement of electronic products can increase electronic waste and resource consumption, potentially negatively affecting environmental wellbeing.
Explain how the meaning and use of technology has changed over time.
Technological development has progressed from relatively simple tools and processes to increasingly complex and specialised systems. These developments have changed how individuals, families, communities and workplaces complete tasks, communicate and meet their needs.
Explain how economic factors can influence the development of technology.
Businesses and governments may invest in technologies that increase productivity, reduce costs, create employment or respond to consumer demand. However, the cost of developing technology may also limit which technologies are produced.
A person can afford a new technology and has access to it, but refuses to use it because it conflicts with their beliefs. Explain why access does not guarantee acceptance.
Access relates to whether the person can obtain and use the technology, whereas acceptance relates to their willingness to use it. Factors such as values, beliefs, culture, previous experiences and attitudes can influence acceptance even when access is available.
Evaluate the impact of technology on family wellbeing.
Technology can improve family wellbeing through communication, convenience, access to information and reduced workload. However, costs, overuse, privacy concerns and reduced face-to-face interaction may negatively affect wellbeing. Its overall impact depends on how the technology is accessed and used.
New technology makes a workplace more productive but causes some employees to lose their jobs. Explain why technological development can create both positive and negative social impacts.
The technology may improve efficiency, productivity and profitability, benefiting businesses and consumers. However, workers may experience unemployment, financial difficulties or the need to retrain, negatively affecting individual and family wellbeing.