Information Society

OLJ Task 2 (Module 2) The Influence of Technology on Society.

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Based on your exploration, try to summarise in 400 words what you know and think about the influence of technology on society in general and specifically on organisations. What are some of the main points organisations have to consider that they may not have had to consider in the past?

I thought that the Thermomix was a relatively new concept. Like all good librarians, when considering whether to purchase something, I conducted some research on the makes, models and of course prices of these raved about machines. When doing so, I came across this picture.

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 (Evolution of the thermomix, n.d.)

I was both surprised and impressed at just how long these machines had been around in one form or another. The constant technical development and added functionality have created an indispensable kitchen item for many households. This technology has changed how people cook, with many households now opting for this all-in-one appliance.

Like the evolving Thermomix, the continual development of new technologies has had a huge influence on both individuals and organisations within society. Technology has become a normalised part of society (Van Dijck, 2018) with the internet, mobile devices, online platforms and social media being used as a means of conducting everyday tasks and activities. Today people interact and utilise technology daily for entertainment, socialisation and learning experiences (Abeer et al., 2018; Kemp, 2021).

The global pandemic has made it very clear just how important technology is and the impact it can have (Plotinsky, 2022). Technology allowed students to continue to learn, facilitated an alternative way of working for professionals, enabled a way of informing and communicating with society regarding the latest updates and changes occurring, and provided a means of collaborating as well as being a source of entertainment.

Organisations, in particular school libraries, use technology to develop a relationship with its users. Technology allows access, connects, informs and supports its users through a variety of means which in turn creates a relationship. Whether it is making the school library visible, aiding the functionality and accessibility of it, meeting the digital and technological needs of the clientele or is used as a way of collaborating and communicating, technology enables and empowers people.

In this ever changing, fast paced society it is important that as society changes so too must the school library to ensure it is relevant, current and accessible for all users. School libraries also have a responsibility to equip its users with both the skills and understanding of the digital environment in order to navigate, create and transfer knowledge. It is also essential that privacy, safety, fairness, equality and accountability are considered (Van Dijck, 2018) in order to maximise the benefits offered by technology.

Technology has enabled things one would never have thought possible, possible. Growing up as a child in the 80’s watching ‘The Jetsons,’ thinking how cool it would be to live in a society like this, in fact, is not far from reality. Fast forward thirty plus years and although we aren’t ‘living The Jetsons lifestyle’, we have definitely come a long way. Who knows what will be next?

(Jetsons, 2012)

References

Abeer, A., Alamri & Bader, A. & Alsaleh. (2018). Transforming education in the gulf region: Emerging learning technologies and innovative pedagogy for the 21st century. The American Journal of Distance Education, 32(1), 74-77.

Kemp, S. (2021, January 27). Digital 2021: The latest insights into the ‘state of digital’. We are Social. https://wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2021/01/digital-2021-the-latest-insights-into-the-state-of-digital/

Nycscout. (2012). Jestons. [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/scoutingny/7779411260/in/photostream/

Plotinsky, M. (2022). The future of education. Education World. https://www.educationworld.com/teachers/future-education

Thermomix. (n.d.). [Evolution of the thermomix]. Thermomix. https://thermomix.com.au/pages/then-now-always

Van Dijck, J. (2018). Introduction. In J. Van Dijck, T. Poell & M. de Waal (Eds.). The platform society. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190889760.003.0001.

2.3 Discussion Information Society

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Having an understanding of the vast information landscape is important for everyone not just Teacher Librarians.

With advances in technology and the way in which we function in society, things are definitely changing and will only continue to change. I’m not too sure if this change is being driven by technology itself, or society. If we look around our local surroundings, whether it be at a child’s swimming lessons, a teenage party, grocery store, café, or school, it is hard not to see, some form of technology in use. The purpose for which the technology is being used, (socialisation, education, or an everyday operating system) is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, we are a society that is reliant on technology. These days people don’t feel comfortable without having a mobile phone in their hand, the need to be constantly connected to social media, one to one devices in classrooms are places where we can see this reliance developing. Things that existed in the past, a paper invitation, and dare I say it, communication by physically speaking to another person are becoming obsolete. People rely and interact with technology daily, maybe because they have to or maybe because they want to.

As I delve into the topic of ‘The information Society,’ my eyes are being opened and connections are being made on how Teacher Librarians are a necessity to help assist and build 21st Century learners, students who can problem solve, think critically, and navigate through information. Firstly Teacher Librarians need to be current and up to date with the information landscape formats and delivery methods. The sheer mass of information that exists, the rate in which it is produced and the authenticity of it, highlights the of importance of teaching students how to effectively filter and access it. Equipping students with digital skills and teaching digital technology so that they are able function and operate in the information environment, are just some of the reasons why it is important for us to have an understanding of the information society.