Pre Reading: Technology and Communities

There are a variety of technologies prevalent in society that impact on community life. These technologies are apparent throughout building, communications, consumer services, entertainment, finance, food, health and medicine, knowledge, leisure and transport/travel. Such technologies focus on improving the quality of life for individuals and groups by enhancing the functioning and performance of the community.

Building technologiesThere are a range of technologies specific to the building industry that have enhanced design and comfort in various situations and according to particular requirements.

Nowadays, building materials are often less toxic than in the past. A major example is the use of asbestos. Asbestos was found to have desirable traits in that it resists heat, electricity and chemical damage. It was used extensively in building particularly for insulating properties. Throughout the early-mid 1900s, there were a multitude of cases and research findings that identified the health concerns associated with asbestos. It was proven its inhalation can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of a protective lining covering most internal organs) and asbestosis (a chronic illness affecting the lungs with considerable effects on breathing). As a result, developments were made to existing technologies and new technologies were developed to prevent health issues whilst also improving quality. For example, fire-resistant gyprock or drywall is a common building material at present.

There has also been a trend towards developing building technologies that are recyclable or using materials that are sustainable or renewable. Buildings may feature recycled water systems or use natural gas. The trend includes minimising environmental impacts as buildings are often ducted, designed with natural lighting considerations and utilise various technologies and techniques to enhance climate control.

Developments in building technologies are a result of increased knowledge and scientific research. There are immense impacts of such developments on community life. The majority of technologies are aimed at reducing costs, minimising environmental impacts or diminishing the use of toxic or harmful materials. As the climate throughout the world continues to change, building technologies will continue to develop to enhance the quality of life for individuals.

CommunicationsAs previously mentioned, the multitude of communication technologies available enhances the overall wellbeing of individuals. The prevalence of Internet and communication technologies has changed the way individuals communicate within their community. As mentioned above, individuals can choose from a range of technologies to communicate via the phone or Internet. The trend towards instantaneous and cost-effective communication is set to continue.

There are weird and wonderful communication devices due for release in the coming years to enhance the functioning of ‘prosumers’ (producers and consumers of information). Some newspapers and magazines are expected to fold with information communicated completely online. Already, the vast majority of print media companies have online sites with far more readership than their hard-copy publications. Using the example of Facebook, as of early 2009 there were 150 million members, more than seven times the Australian population. The development of communication technologies will continue to impact on communities. In years to come, community members may read their local newspaper online, communicate with their neighbours via instant messaging and attend their community meetings via an online conference – the possibilities are endless.

Consumer servicesTechnological developments have greatly affected the way consumers’ access products and services. Many activities have become technology based such as banking and shopping.353Individuals can pay bills, transfer money and manage their accounts online. In some instances, individuals may rarely visit a branch with everything they need being automated or accessed online.

Shopping can also be done online through a variety of avenues. Coles, Woolworths and various other grocery chains have online shopping centres where consumers can browse aisles online, customise shopping lists and refer to recipes for grocery needs. They can search for specific products, view images and information regarding the products and fill their shopping trolley as required. Once finished, consumers can choose delivery options, submit payment and complete their order, all whilst sitting at their computer.

Groceries aside, there are countless products individuals can purchase online throughout the world. There are a variety of online shops where one can purchase anything from a wooden spoon to a pair of socks. To protect personal information such as credit card details, there are a number of online payment gateways enabling online payment to be safe and straightforward.

There are assortments of other consumer services that can be accessed online. For example, medicare rebates can be organised so returns are automatically transferred into a nominated bank account. Individuals can gamble online ranging from Australian based betting (e.g. through Tabcorp) to online casino and poker gambling sites throughout the world.

Community life will continue to be impacted on by emerging technologies. Individuals now have access to community services online and often frequent shops less. They may stop visiting their local grocery or hardware shops and complete their shopping online. It is often the case that communities need to develop at the same rate as their members. Local businesses are increasingly developing websites and promoting online shopping to uphold their standing in the community.

EntertainmentAs previously mentioned, individuals have a range of visual and sound entertainment options they can access through televisions, DVD players, stereos, radios, MP3 players and computers. The choice and quality of home entertainment continues to expand.

A family may have a high definition LCD television featuring a digital top box and connected to Foxtel. They may have a DVD player with surround sound and a variety of game consoles such as Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Family members can choose from a range of entertainment options, they can watch free-to-air television, watch a program on a Foxtel channel, watch a movie on their DVD player or play a game on their console. Alternatively, they can use their computer to go online and play multiplayer online games, watch online television show episodes or read eBooks. They can also choose to use their mobile phones and MP3 players to play games, use applications and listen to music.

In recent decades there has been a noticeable shift in entertainment trends. Individuals and families are choosing to complement their digital behaviours by emerging themselves in entertainment technologies.

Individuals may be less inclined to interact amongst one another when they can be entertained by a vast mass of entertainment options. Individuals and groups are also creating their own entertainment. Often, groups capture their own images and video footage and develop them into movies, complete with audio. The growing popularity and use of YouTube complements individuals desire to create and share video clips amongst their friends, family and others around the world.

FinanceThere are a variety of financial services that can be accessed online, as mentioned above. Individuals can use online banking to complete a variety of tasks. Internet banking sites enable users to securely manage their accounts and perform simple functions like checking bank balances to more involved processes such as transferring money overseas.

Online security protects information regardless of how it is accessed, i.e. through a computer or phone.There are also various guarantees in relation to lost money as a result of fraud or security breaches. Technological developments such as these enable individuals to operate at their own pace; often services are available 24 hours a day to suit the lifestyle of all users.355Aside from online banking, individuals can utilise a range of technologies in terms of finance. They can pay EFTPOS whereby funds are transferred at the point of sale. They can access cash by visiting ATM’s (automatic teller machines) or ask for ‘cash out’ during EFTPOS transactions. They can also access money they don’t necessarily have, e.g. through overdraw facilities and credit card options.

There is also a range of software that focuses on maintaining records for individual or business financial activity. Accounting and payroll software exists to perform day to day financial administration and improve efficiency regarding various financial tasks. Depending on the size and financial requirements of a business, there is software ranging from invoice generating programs to complete software systems focusing on the management of all financial operations.

The main impact on communities as a result of the development of financial technologies is the decrease in face to face service. Due to the multitude of machines and devices that perform financial tasks automatically, there is less need for individuals to visit services such as banks or accountants.

FoodTechnology has had substantial impact on the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution and use of food. Technological developments have enabled food stuffs to be studied to obtain information regarding their physical and chemical characteristics. Scientists can research the nutritional make-up of food and assess its benefits for various situations.

The technology surrounding the physical and chemical characteristics of food has enabled individuals to eat according to their physical make-up. Eating patterns can be modified to best suit each individual.

Technology has also enabled the preservation of food for later consumption. Fridges, freezers and various other methods such as canning can preserve perishable food items such as fruits, vegetables and meats.

There are also a range of technologies aimed at processing and packaging food. Various techniques such as chopping, slicing, mincing, fermenting, emulsifying, cooking, baking and mixing are performed to food when processing. Each technique uses a range of technologies to ensure the food is processed efficiently. Examples of specific technologies include pressure-assisted thermal sterilisation and pulsed electric field and microwave technology.

Food technology also relates to the above-mentioned technology associated with genetic engineering.

Health and medicineTechnology is a major component of the health sector. Technologies are relied upon to provide medical treatment to those who require it. For example, a person admitted to hospital after a car accident may be treated with a multitude of technologies ranging from defibrillators to computers monitoring heart rate and blood pressure.

Such technologies help to treat people with various health concerns. For example, plastic or carbon fibre artificial limbs are used to replace missing extremities and hearing aids are used to direct sound into the ear canal of individuals with hearing difficulties.

Technology in the health sector also refers to the ongoing creation and development of medication. Individuals can take medication for a variety of illnesses such as diuretics or beta-blockers for high blood pressure or insulin to be injected into diabetes sufferers. Individuals can also receive treatment for various cancers through chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The technology associated with health and medicine is immeasurable as it rapidly continues to develop. Communities continue to support the research and development associated with various health problems and promote awareness and prevention within society.

Technological developments will continue to effect individuals and groups in different communities. As a greater number of vaccines are developed and cures are found, lives will be prolonged and saved. Individuals will continue to support their physical and emotional health by maintaining healthy lifestyles and taking medication when required.

KnowledgeThe learning and reasoning of individuals continues to change as technologies are created and developed. Knowledge affects the way people research, locate and understand information. Knowledge based technologies are used to aid research, provide information and increase understanding and expertise on particular subjects. Such technologies include computers, the Internet, cameras, digital technologies and satellites.

For example, computers and the Internet can be used to research information, cameras and digital technologies can be used to create and develop safety systems and satellites can help with global communication.

Communities can be impacted by the effects of knowledge based technologies. There is an increased learning capacity of individuals to increase their knowledge and understanding which can then affect the functioning of the community, e.g. various technologies can be explored and local jobs opportunities can emerge.

LeisureThe creation and development of various technologies have impacted on the leisure choices of individuals. Popular leisure activities Australians participate in include cooking, exercise and fitness, going to the movies, listening to music, playing computer games, reading, shopping, surfing, swimming or watching television. For each of the listed activities, there are numerous technologies associated with them.

Technology continues to shape the leisure choices individuals make and the way they perform when partaking in them. For example, there have been countless technological advancements in the materials and equipment associated with golf.

Different shapes and materials have been tried and tested to promote the best possible practice, for example clubs once made from wood are now made from titanium. Currently, there are technical computer aided fitting programsthat match an individual’s physical and swing characteristics to thousands of available clubs. Athlete’s Foot also feature a computerised shoe fitting system which maps the foot and recommends a shoe based on control and stability requirements.

Transport/travelTransport and travel has changed greatly over the years due to developments in technology. Such developments have improved the efficiency, safety, speed, distance, comfort and environmental impact of transport based technologies.

For example, the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost produced in the early 1900s was a six-cylinder, three speed transmission automobile. The technology and performance of the Silver Ghost was astounding at the time, making it one of the most recognised historical cars in the world. Since then, there have been colossal developments in automotive technology with currently selling low-mid range cars featuring a range of technological features. These features include adjustable steering columns with audio controls, iPod connections, Bluetooth technology to promote hands-

free communication, technologies focused on improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions and safety technologies including driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock braking systems, traction control and emergency brake assistance. Developments continue with the progression of electric and hybrid cars that minimise costs associated with petrol and reduce impacts on the environment.

There have also been considerable advances in rail and air travel. The technologies associated with aeroplanes include wings, blades, engines, propellers and controls (joysticks, pedals, throttle, brakes), all of which have been developed and improved since the beginning of air travel. The most recently released airbus is the A380 which is a double-deck fourengine airplane that is currently the largest passenger airliner in the world. It can carry up to 853 people.

There are also a variety of applications individuals can access when planning travel. For example, many airlines offer web check-in whereby passengers can check-in online, choose their seats, read information relating to safety and print off their boarding pass which enables them to drop off their luggage in designated areas and avoid queues and crowds. There are also kiosks located at airports which help make the check-in process simple and quick.

There has been an increasing interest in global positioning systems (GPS) that can be used to determine location and plan journeys. There are a variety of companies who focus of developing quality and affordable systems for personal use. Such systems are also increasingly become a standard feature of many mobile phones.

Source: Exploring CAFS (Titan Education)