Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is often phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment. It is an expansive term that may include anything from simple tools such as a crowbar or wooden spoon to complex machines like a particle accelerator or space station. It can also refer to things that are not physical, such as computer software or business methods.
While technology has brought many benefits to humanity, including increased comfort and quality of life and medical advancements, it can also cause harm by disrupting existing social hierarchies and causing environmental degradation. These concerns have led to the rise of movements such as eco-village, which promotes the use of local and traditional technologies, rather than those that require access to centralized infrastructure or parts and skills imported from elsewhere. Moreover, technological progress can lead to the development of weapons of ever-increasing destructive power, as illustrated by such prehistoric inventions as the stone tool and the control of fire, or modern ones such as the printing press and the Internet.
Educational technology includes many tools and apps that make teaching easier for teachers and students. For example, online grading systems allow teachers to keep lines of communication open with parents and students. Similarly, technology in the classroom can help students become more engaged in their lessons by allowing them to work at their own pace. However, technology can also distract students from their learning if it is not used appropriately in the classroom.