In today’s world, it is difficult to come across an individual who doesn’t rely on technology and use it on a daily basis. From mobile phones to televisions to car sat navs, technology comes in many different forms. Therefore, there is technology suited to all ages and for all purposes. Due to the sustained progress in technology, society has been able to continue progressing also.

When one thinks back to the first phone they owned, or the first television in their homes, these devices almost certainly differ from the ones they are now familiar with. Phones aren’t limited to being just communication devices; the apps, cameras and maps that come along with phones are what make them so significant. Meanwhile, TVs offer hundreds of channels, as well as HD movies and access to online TV and video streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix. Gone are the days when purchasing a new DVD sent children into a giddy bubble of excitement. Instead, parents can simply turn on their TV and play the desired movie with no extra hassle. Tablets like the beloved iPad and gaming consoles like the Playstation are also highly thought of. Technology plays a big part in entertainment today – the majority of society would agree that phones, TVs, tablets and gaming consoles are used daily for amusement and leisure purposes.

However, there is so much more to technology than just entertainment. Technology has been used to develop sat navs which have lifetime map updates and allow drivers to get from one location to the next with ease. Moreover, sat navs now also come with voice command and control and Bluetooth for hands free calling. Due to the existence of these devices, people can continue to thrive and get to their desired location quickly and efficiently, whether that be a business office or the cinema. Public transport also utilises technology; contactless and mobile pay as you go is now available in most locations. Although getting a bus or a train is a daily occurrence for many, few consider how developments in technology have resulted in the termination of cash payments and made their journeys much simpler.

Another part of life which relies on technology rather heavily is education. Nowadays, classrooms have interactive whiteboards, replacing the traditional whiteboards or flip charts older generations would have been more familiar with. As a result of this change, learning is, as described in the name, more interactive for children, and allows for more fun in the classroom. Laura P, a primary school TA, says, “Children enjoy getting to use these whiteboards, and the level of engagement between teachers and students is much higher than in previous decades.” The technology used in education is vast and varied, and includes kindles, tablets, cameras and laptops. Students no longer have to purchase hard copies of all books and textbooks – some can be downloaded onto a kindle or a tablet, or accessed online using a code. Learning can take place anywhere and at any time, making it more suited to each individual.

Society relies on technology to always be of help and technology continues to be developed in order to meet demand and high expectations. Without the existence of all these technologies everyone is now accustomed to, life would be more challenging. Not only does technology benefit day to day life, it also benefits brain development and allows future generations to continue excelling. Therefore, the strive for greatness remains aligned with technological advancement.

By Alex Pyatnytska, Esher College