Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems, accomplish specific tasks, and make things work. It covers a broad range of methods, materials, devices and systems. It can be as simple as using a stone to sharpen a stick or as complex as the use of nuclear fission to generate electricity.
Many of the tools used in modern technology require extensive training and education to develop, build, maintain, operate, or use. Entire industries have developed to produce and support succeeding generations of these technologies, which have contributed to economic progress, improved living standards, medical advances, and other positive social effects. However, they can also disrupt existing social hierarchies, cause pollution, and harm individual people or groups of people.
Some of the most common technologies include telephones, computers and the Internet, televisions and satellite networks. The most important technological advancements in the past few decades have been mobile communications (cell phones and tablets) and information processing and transmission devices like computer servers, routers, and switches.
Educators and students have benefited greatly from the use of technology in their learning and study. They now have access to oceans of information at their fingertips with the power of search engines and other applications, which makes learning fun for students and helps them understand difficult concepts with ease. Students find themselves more interested in their studies and are able to focus on their lessons better, which shows up in their academic marks.