IMS 103 Assignment Blog

How must you redefine the word "technology" if, like Goody, you see writing as a technology? (You'll need to expand the dictionary definition!) Do you agree that the definition of "technology" should be expanded to include writing and/or other means for thinking, or do you see new technologies as new gadgets only? Can you imagine a circumstance, perhaps when you are thinking through a problem or trying to decide what road to take in your life, that might make you want to rely upon this expanded definition?

Well, let’s start with the some dictionary definitions (from dictionary.com):

Main Entry: tech·nol·o·gy
Pronunciation: -jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -gies
1 : the science of the application of knowledge to practical purposes : applied science
2 : a scientific method of achieving a practical purpose —tech·no·log·i·cal /"tek-n&-'läj-i-k&l/ also tech·no·log·ic /-ik/ adjective

<jargon definition> Marketing term for “software”, “hardware”, “protocol” or something else that’s too technical to name or explain.

I think that the jargon definition (second) is the one most people think of these days, rather than the more correct definition (first). I see and hear many people using “technology” to describe something they don’t understand. I believe that’s the wrong way to use the word.

I do see writing as a technology. Writing is something that has evolved over centuries and is still evolving today. Writing is used to solve problems, to communicate, to entertain…many of the same things that today’s technological gadgets are used for. I also see reading as a technology, because reading is used for the same things writing is: solving problems, communication, and entertainment.

I think the word “technology” must be redefined as: “applying knowledge to practical purposes, communication or entertainment.”

I have a pretty good example of using this refined definition – I’ve been using writing to communicate with department heads, professors, game industry professionals, friends, and family to get advice on exactly what route to use to be able to achieve my dream of working in the gaming industry. Writing emails is often my only way to communicate with people on the other coast, because they’re more convenient than phone calls.