Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. It includes tools, machines, and systems such as the printing press and the Internet that allow people to work and communicate at distances and with greater speed than ever before. Technology also includes devices such as cameras, printers, cell phones, and robots that are used to help people do their jobs better or to make the world a safer place.
Many types of technology exist, and each has its own method of use and specific problems it solves. Some of the most significant technologies include artificial intelligence, essential for data analysis; clean technology, which reduces environmental damage; information technology, a prerequisite to modern business; and communication technology, which makes it easier to share information.
Some technologies are mechanical, like gears or cogwheels that change power and speed on moving machines, such as bicycles and ships. Other technologies, such as computers and telephones, work by transmitting electric signals that control functions like memory and data processing.
In the 1900s people discovered how to fit the parts that make electronic products work into tiny chips called integrated circuits, which made personal computers possible. These technologies have revolutionized the way that we live, work, and play.
Education has also benefitted from the development of technology, making it a much more interesting and interactive experience for students. Technology allows students to self-direct their learning and move at a pace that suits them. It also allows them to collaborate with peers around the globe, which can be particularly beneficial for students who have trouble following a lecture in person.