Technology is the combination of any human techniques, skills, systems, methods, or processes utilized in the creation of new products or services or in the achievement of specific goals, including scientific research. Technological change occurs rapidly, frequently with little or no warning. The process by which technology is developed, modified and marketed often results in technologies that are highly specific to a particular industry or context, producing a product or service at a price that is lower than that for a competing product or service. In some cases, technological change is initiated by an idea for a better product or service, but the marketer develops the technology first, finances it, tests it, and then tries to make the public aware of its existence.
Technologists learn about the world around them through a variety of methods. One common way that they learn is through scientific research. Many scientists develop their own ideas for improving the quality of life, generating new knowledge, discovering new technologies, or expanding the knowledge of existing scientific communities. When a scientist researches the subject, she or he must learn all of the facts and results from various scientific journals, primary research, and the results of ongoing scientific studies in his or her field of specialization.
Another way that scientists learn about the world around them is through practical application. Practical application refers to the process of applying science to specific ends. A chemist may study a particular chemical substance to determine how it interacts with other substances. A computer engineer might develop a software program that is designed to solve a problem, collect and analyze data, and then provide a solution to a business or a user.
Technicians learn about science by participating in a wide range of activities. They gain practical knowledge and use this knowledge to solve real-world problems. This kind of learning occurs at several different levels, including classroom instruction and field trips, among others. Participants also learn through a combination of practical problems and lectures about the scientific method. Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs that are based on practical applications of science.
Students also learn about the history of science through the study of technology. By participating in a class, they can learn how different technological advances have affected society. By the time they finish their studies, they should have developed a good understanding of the history of science and how it has shaped the world we live in today. By participating in a class or a lab, they can develop a sound understanding of how things work and what future possibilities lie in store.
Many students who participate in college studies of technology transfer their scientific knowledge application to the field they chose to study. In this way, they can learn about practical matters such as how to repair a treadmill or how to improve a lawnmower by following a step-by-step set of instructions. By working in a lab, they can develop and refine their scientific methods in order to use the information they learn in practical purposes.