Examples

Technology Thesis Statement

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thesis about technologies

The dynamic world of technology continually shapes our daily lives and future. Writing a compelling thesis statement about technology means delving deep into the nuances of innovation, foreseeing its implications, and presenting a clear, concise perspective. Crafting the perfect statement requires a keen understanding of your topic, its relevance, and the message you wish to convey. Below, we will explore examples of technology-related thesis statements, provide tips on how to hone them, and guide you in encapsulating the essence of your research.

What is the Technology Thesis Statement? – Definition

A technology thesis statement is a concise summary or main point of a research paper, essay, or dissertation related to a technology-focused topic. It establishes the central theme, position, or argument that the author intends to communicate, providing readers with a clear overview of what the subsequent content will address. This research paper thesis statement is essential in guiding the flow and coherence of the piece, ensuring that the content remains relevant to the proposed topic.

What is an example of a Technology thesis statement?

“With the rapid evolution of wearable technology, there is a compelling need to address the associated privacy concerns, arguing that without comprehensive regulations, users’ personal data could be at significant risk.”  You should also take a look at our  middle school thesis statement .

100 Technology Statement Examples

Technology Statement Examples

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Technology concise thesis statements encapsulate the essence of tech-focused research papers or essays, presenting a concise argument or perspective on a specific technological development, trend, or challenge. These statements guide the reader’s understanding, giving clarity and direction to the narrative.

  • Artificial Intelligence : “The integration of AI in healthcare can revolutionize patient diagnosis, but ethical constraints need addressing.”
  • Virtual Reality : “Virtual reality’s potential in education extends beyond immersion, offering tailored learning experiences.”
  • Blockchain : “Blockchain technology, while disruptive, promises to make financial transactions more transparent and secure.”
  • Cybersecurity : “The rise of IoT devices demands stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent unprecedented breaches.”
  • Biotechnology : “CRISPR technology might hold the key to genetic disorders, yet its ethical implications are vast.”
  • E-Commerce : “The shift to e-commerce has fundamentally changed consumer behavior, prioritizing convenience over brand loyalty.”
  • 5G Technology : “The deployment of 5G will enhance IoT capabilities, but infrastructure challenges persist.”
  • Green Technology : “Solar panel advancements are crucial for sustainable energy but require policy support for widespread adoption.”
  • Robotics : “Robotic automation in manufacturing accelerates production but poses employment challenges.”
  • Wearable Tech : “Wearables are transforming health monitoring, but data privacy remains a significant concern.”
  • Quantum Computing : “While quantum computers promise to solve complex problems in seconds, they also pose threats to current encryption methods.”
  • Space Exploration : “The commercialization of space travel opens new frontiers for tourism but also raises environmental and safety concerns.”
  • Augmented Reality : “Augmented reality in retail can enhance customer experience, yet it challenges traditional shopping norms.”
  • Drones : “The proliferation of drone technology in delivery services improves efficiency but brings forth airspace regulation issues.”
  • Nano-Technology : “Nanotechnology in medicine offers targeted drug delivery but has unexplored long-term effects on human health.”
  • Self-Driving Cars : “Autonomous vehicles could drastically reduce traffic accidents, but their integration requires comprehensive legal frameworks.”
  • Smart Cities : “Smart cities optimize urban living conditions; however, they highlight disparities in digital access.”
  • Edge Computing : “Edge computing decentralizes data processing, enhancing IoT performance, but it raises concerns about localized data breaches.”
  • 3D Printing : “3D printing revolutionizes manufacturing and healthcare but challenges intellectual property rights.”
  • Digital Assistants : “Voice-activated digital assistants streamline daily tasks but provoke debates on user surveillance and privacy.”
  • Telemedicine : “Telemedicine democratizes healthcare access, yet questions arise about its efficacy compared to in-person consultations.”
  • Big Data : “Big data analytics can transform industries, but the potential misuse of information is a growing concern.”
  • Cloud Computing : “Cloud adoption offers businesses scalability and flexibility, though it introduces unique cybersecurity challenges.”
  • Digital Currency : “Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin could redefine financial systems, but their volatility and regulatory gray areas persist.”
  • Gaming Technology : “Esports and gaming technology foster global communities, but they also spotlight issues of digital addiction.”
  • Neural Networks : “Neural networks enhance machine learning capabilities but make algorithm decision-making processes more opaque.”
  • Mixed Reality : “Mixed reality blends the best of AR and VR, offering innovative solutions in training but requires significant hardware investments.”
  • Social Media Algorithms : “Algorithms on social platforms shape user behavior, leading to questions about influence and manipulation.”
  • Broadband Technology : “Universal broadband access can bridge educational gaps, but infrastructural and cost barriers remain.”
  • Digital Learning Platforms : “Online education platforms democratize learning but challenge traditional educational paradigms.”
  • Agricultural Tech : “Smart farming through tech can optimize yields, but its cost can exclude small-scale farmers.”
  • Mobile Banking : “Mobile banking boosts financial inclusion in developing nations but raises issues of digital literacy.”
  • Chatbots : “Chatbots in customer service optimize responsiveness but can depersonalize the user experience.”
  • Facial Recognition : “Facial recognition tech can enhance security measures but has sparked debates on privacy and misuse.”
  • Deepfakes : “Deepfake technology, while impressive, poses significant threats to misinformation and trust in media.”
  • Health Tech : “Wearable health devices offer real-time monitoring, yet there’s growing concern over data security and interpretation accuracy.”
  • Marine Technology : “Underwater drones present opportunities for oceanic exploration, but their use raises environmental concerns.”
  • Sustainable Tech : “Technological solutions to waste management are crucial for urban sustainability, but require societal behavior changes for maximum effectiveness.”
  • Language Translation : “Real-time translation tools are bridging communication gaps, but can’t replace the nuance of human translators.”
  • Online Privacy : “VPN services enhance online privacy, yet they introduce challenges in legal jurisdictions and data accountability.”
  • Internet of Things (IoT) : “While IoT connects everyday devices, it also increases potential points of cyber vulnerabilities.”
  • Haptic Technology : “Haptic tech holds potential in virtual training environments but demands rigorous testing for consistent real-world replication.”
  • Renewable Energy Tech : “Wind energy is a clean alternative, yet its land use and noise pollution issues remain unresolved.”
  • Genomic Editing : “While genomic editing can prevent hereditary diseases, its potential misuse in ‘designer babies’ raises ethical debates.”
  • E-Learning : “Digital classrooms can provide education continuity during crises, but highlight inequalities in tech accessibility.”
  • Wireless Charging : “The evolution of wireless charging technology promotes convenience but necessitates universal standardization.”
  • Retail Tech : “Smart mirrors in retail enhance consumer experience but can potentially infringe on privacy rights if misused.”
  • Data Storage : “Quantum data storage could revolutionize information keeping, yet the transition from classical methods is fraught with challenges.”
  • Livestreaming Tech : “The growth of livestreaming platforms boosts creator economies, but presents issues of content moderation.”
  • Digital Twins : “Digital twins in manufacturing optimize production processes, but require significant data management and interpretation efforts.”
  • Animal Tech : “RFID tags in wildlife conservation assist in species monitoring but raise concerns about animal welfare and interference.”
  • Thermal Imaging : “Thermal imaging in public spaces can enhance security, but its widespread use prompts privacy debates.”
  • Financial Tech (FinTech) : “Digital-only banks provide unparalleled convenience, yet face skepticism over their ability to handle financial crises.”
  • Audio Tech : “Spatial a in headphones creates immersive experiences, but its effects on auditory health are under-researched.”
  • Nano-Biotechnology : “Nano-biotech in targeted drug delivery holds promise, but its long-term interactions with biological systems remain unknown.”
  • Location-Based Services : “Geolocation tools in apps enhance user experience, but inadvertently contribute to data surveillance concerns.”
  • Human-Machine Interface : “Brain-computer interfaces might redefine communication for the differently-abled, but they also present neuroethical dilemmas.”
  • Gig Economy Platforms : “Tech-driven gig economies offer flexible employment, but often at the cost of job security and benefits.”
  • Environmental Monitoring : “Satellite technology for environmental monitoring is crucial for climate change mitigation, but depends on international collaboration and data-sharing.”
  • Entertainment Tech : “Augmented reality in entertainment redefines audience engagement, but challenges traditional content creation paradigms.”
  • Food Technology : “Lab-grown meats could significantly reduce the environmental impact of livestock, but their societal acceptance and taste equivalency remain under scrutiny.”
  • Telecommunication : “The transition to satellite-based internet services can enhance global connectivity but introduces space debris management challenges.”
  • Digital Art and Media : “Digital art platforms democratize artistic expression, though they raise concerns over copyright and originality.”
  • Fitness Tech : “Smart gyms utilize AI to personalize workout regimens, but their reliance on user data raises privacy issues.”
  • Medical Imaging : “AI-driven medical imaging can enhance diagnostic precision, yet its integration demands rigorous validation against traditional methods.”
  • Urban Mobility : “Electric scooters in urban centers promote green mobility, but their indiscriminate use poses pedestrian safety risks.”
  • Adaptive Tech : “Adaptive technologies for the differently-abled democratize access, but their high costs can limit widespread adoption.”
  • Cryptographic Tech : “Post-quantum cryptography aims to secure data against future quantum attacks, but its practical implementation remains challenging.”
  • Travel and Navigation : “AR-based navigation tools can revolutionize travel experiences, but they demand robust infrastructure to prevent inaccuracies.”
  • Event Technology : “Virtual event platforms offer global outreach, but they challenge the conventional understanding of networking and engagement.”
  • Consumer Electronics : “Flexible electronics pave the way for innovative gadgets, yet their durability and recyclability are concerns.”
  • Space Mining : “Space mining could answer Earth’s resource scarcity, but its feasibility and impact on space ecosystems are contentious.”
  • Fashion Tech : “Smart fabrics offer dynamic design possibilities, but their production processes raise environmental questions.”
  • Elderly Tech : “Tech solutions for the elderly improve quality of life, but require intuitive designs to ensure ease of use.”
  • Cyber Physical Systems : “Integrating physical processes with computer-based algorithms promises efficiency, but challenges real-time adaptability.”
  • Rehabilitation Tech : “VR in physical rehabilitation offers immersive therapy, but its long-term efficacy compared to traditional methods is under exploration.”
  • Collaborative Platforms : “Cloud-based collaborative tools redefine workplace productivity, but their over-reliance can risk centralizing data control.”
  • Quantum Sensing : “Quantum sensors could redefine detection limits in various fields, but their scalability in real-world applications remains a hurdle.”
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS) : “LMS platforms facilitate organized e-learning, but their design must prioritize user-friendliness for diverse user groups.”
  • Aerospace Tech : “Electric aircraft represent the future of eco-friendly travel, but the transition requires breakthroughs in battery technology.”
  • Hydroponic Farming : “Tech-driven hydroponic systems can increase agricultural yield in urban areas, but the initial setup costs and energy consumption are deterrents.”
  • Waste Management Tech : “Automated waste sorting can significantly enhance recycling rates, but its success demands public awareness and participation.”
  • Digital Publishing : “E-books and digital publications increase accessibility, but they also challenge traditional publishing economics.”
  • Therapeutic Tech : “Biofeedback apps promise personalized stress management, but their recommendations need backing by robust clinical research.”
  • Molecular Electronics : “Molecular-scale electronics could miniaturize devices further, but their stability and manufacturing pose significant challenges.”
  • Industrial IoT : “Integrating IoT in industries optimizes production and maintenance, but its seamless functioning demands strong cybersecurity protocols.”
  • Photonics : “Photonics in data transmission offers higher speeds, but its integration into current infrastructure is complex.”
  • Marine Energy : “Harnessing oceanic energy can be a renewable power solution, but its impact on marine ecosystems needs careful evaluation.”
  • Prosthetics Tech : “Advanced prosthetics with AI integration promise life-changing mobility, but the cost of development and acquisition challenges their accessibility.”
  • Resilient Infrastructure : “Smart materials in construction adapt to environmental changes, but the long-term sustainability and economic feasibility remain subjects of research.”
  • Optogenetics : “Optogenetics holds transformative potential for neurological disorders, but its ethical application in humans is still debated.”
  • Entertainment Streaming : “Streaming platforms are reshaping entertainment consumption, but they also spotlight issues of digital rights and royalties.”
  • Water Purification Tech : “Nanotechnology in water purification can address global water crises, but its ecological impact requires close monitoring.”
  • Transportation Tech : “Hyperloop transportation promises rapid transits, but the infrastructural and safety challenges are monumental.”
  • Pedagogical Tools : “AI-driven pedagogical tools individualize learning, but there’s a risk of over-reliance and diminished human interaction.”
  • Remote Work Tech : “Advanced collaborative tools enable effective remote work, but they also blur the lines between professional and personal boundaries.”
  • Sensor Technology : “Smart sensors in agriculture optimize irrigation and reduce water wastage, but their implementation costs can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers.”
  • Food Preservation : “Innovative food preservation technologies can reduce global food wastage, but their energy consumption and efficiency need optimization.”
  • Gaming Interfaces : “Brain-computer interfaces in gaming promise immersive experiences, but their long-term effects on neurological health are underexplored.”
  • Material Science : “Meta-materials can revolutionize optics and telecommunications, but their large-scale production and integration pose significant challenges.”

Technology Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

As the digital age progresses, there’s a growing consensus about the pros and cons of technology’s integration into our daily lives. Argumentative essays thesis statement on technology often delve into the ethical and societal implications, pushing the boundaries of the debates even further.

  • Social Media’s Impact : “While some argue that social media strengthens interpersonal relationships, it can also be held responsible for eroding face-to-face interactions and deepening feelings of social isolation.”
  • Digital Dependency : “The increasing reliance on smartphones has jeopardized our cognitive abilities, leading to diminished memory recall and reduced attention spans.”
  • Online Privacy : “In the digital age, online privacy has become an illusion, with corporations and governments frequently infringing upon personal data rights.”
  • Virtual Reality : “Despite the immersive experiences offered by virtual reality, its overuse can blur the distinction between the real and virtual worlds, leading to psychological implications.”
  • Technological Progress vs. Job Security : “Technological advancements, while driving efficiency and progress, also threaten traditional jobs, potentially leading to economic disparities.”
  • Digital Currency : “Cryptocurrencies, despite their volatile nature, represent a significant shift in the financial landscape and have the potential to decentralize traditional banking systems.”
  • E-books vs. Traditional Books : “While e-books offer convenience and accessibility, they can never replace the tactile experience and emotional connection readers have with physical books.”
  • The Internet and Democracy : “The internet, although hailed as a tool for democratizing information, also presents threats like misinformation campaigns that can undermine democratic processes.”
  • Tech Giants and Monopoly : “The unchecked rise of tech giants poses a threat to competition, potentially stifling innovation and enabling monopolistic behaviors.”
  • Green Technology : “Investing in green technologies is not merely an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity that promises both sustainable growth and job creation.”

Thesis Statement Examples for Technology in Education

Education has undergone tremendous transformation thanks to technology. The intersection of technology and education raises questions about equity, effectiveness, and the shaping of future minds.

  • Digital Literacy : “Incorporating digital literacy in education is crucial, not just for technological proficiency but for navigating the modern world responsibly and critically.”
  • Online Learning : “Online education, while offering flexibility and accessibility, can lack the personal touch and hands-on experiences that traditional classrooms provide.”
  • EdTech in Early Childhood : “Introducing technology in early childhood education can foster creativity and adaptability, but it must not overshadow foundational learning experiences.”
  • Gamification of Learning : “Gamifying education can increase student engagement, but there’s a risk of prioritizing rewards over actual knowledge acquisition.”
  • Tech in Special Education : “Technology has the potential to revolutionize special education, offering tailored learning experiences to cater to individual needs.”
  • Digital Distractions : “The integration of technology in classrooms, while beneficial, also brings the challenge of combating digital distractions and ensuring focused learning.”
  • Open Source Learning : “Open-source educational resources can democratize education, but there’s a need to ensure the quality and credibility of these materials.”
  • AR and VR in Education : “Augmented and virtual reality tools in education can offer immersive learning experiences, but their efficacy compared to traditional methods remains to be thoroughly evaluated.”
  • Adaptive Learning Systems : “Adaptive learning technologies promise personalized education, but reliance on them must be balanced with human mentorship.”
  • Digital Divide : “The push for technology in education must also address the digital divide, ensuring that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access.”

Thesis Statement Examples on Technology in Artificial Intelligence

The realm of artificial intelligence is a marvel of modern science and engineering, but it brings forth numerous concerns and speculations. Essays on AI and technology focus on the potential of machines surpassing human intelligence and the societal repercussions of such a possibility.

  • Ethical AI : “As AI systems grow in complexity, there’s an urgent necessity to establish ethical guidelines that prioritize human values and safety.”
  • AI in Warfare : “The integration of AI in military operations, while enhancing precision, raises alarming concerns about the lack of human judgment in life-and-death decisions.”
  • Bias in Machine Learning : “Unchecked, machine learning models can perpetuate and amplify societal biases, necessitating rigorous audit processes before deployment.”
  • AI and Employment : “The rise of automation and AI in industries risks a significant displacement of the workforce, highlighting the need for societal adaptation and job retraining.”
  • Emotion AI : “Artificial Intelligence designed to recognize and respond to human emotions could revolutionize industries, but also brings concerns about privacy and emotional manipulation.”
  • Singularity : “The potential for an AI singularity, where AI surpasses human intelligence, necessitates preemptive safeguards to ensure the alignment of AI goals with humanity’s best interests.”
  • AI in Healthcare : “While AI in healthcare can lead to more accurate diagnoses, it must complement, not replace, the critical thinking and empathy of medical professionals.”
  • Deepfakes and Reality : “The advent of deepfake technology, driven by AI, challenges our trust in visual content, pressing for the development of verification tools.”
  • AI and Creativity : “The surge of AI in creative fields, from art to music, questions the uniqueness of human creativity and the future role of AI as co-creators.”
  • General AI vs. Narrow AI : “While narrow AI excels in specific tasks, the pursuit of general AI, mirroring human intelligence, presents unprecedented challenges and ethical dilemmas.”

Thesis Statement Examples on Medical Technology

The medical field has seen rapid technological advancements, leading to breakthroughs in treatment and patient care. Discussing medical technology often centers around its impact on the patient-doctor relationship and health outcomes.

  • Telemedicine : “Telemedicine, while increasing healthcare accessibility, requires rigorous regulation to ensure the quality of care and the privacy of patient data.”
  • Gene Editing : “CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies hold promise for eradicating genetic diseases, but they also raise ethical concerns about the potential misuse in creating ‘designer babies’.”
  • Wearable Health Tech : “Wearable health devices empower individuals to monitor their health, but also bring concerns about data privacy and the accuracy of health information.”
  • 3D Printed Organs : “3D printing of organs could revolutionize transplants, but the technology must first overcome challenges in biocompatibility and functionality.”
  • Robot-Assisted Surgery : “Robot-assisted surgeries promise precision and minimized invasiveness, yet the high costs and training requirements present hurdles for widespread adoption.”
  • Mental Health Apps : “Digital tools for mental health can democratize access to resources, but they cannot replace the nuanced care provided by human professionals.”
  • Nanotechnology in Medicine : “The integration of nanotechnology in medicine offers targeted treatments and drug delivery, but long-term effects on the human body remain largely unknown.”
  • Virtual Reality in Therapy : “VR therapies hold potential for treating phobias and PTSD, but research must ensure that virtual experiences translate to real-world recovery.”
  • EHR (Electronic Health Records) : “While EHRs streamline medical data management, concerns arise about patient data security and system interoperabilities.”
  • AI-driven Diagnosis : “AI-driven diagnostic tools can analyze vast data quickly, but they should act as aides to human clinicians, not replacements.”

Thesis Statement Examples for Technology Essay

General technology essays touch on the overarching theme of how technology shapes society, cultures, and personal interactions. These essays dive deep into both the boons and banes of technological innovation.

  • Digital Age and Mental Health : “The digital age, while connecting the world, has also escalated mental health issues, prompting a deeper examination of our relationship with technology.”
  • Augmented Humanity : “Biohacking and body augmentations, powered by tech, are pushing the boundaries of human capabilities but also raise ethical questions about self-modification and societal implications.”
  • Cybersecurity : “In a hyper-connected world, cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge but a fundamental aspect of ensuring personal rights and national security.”
  • Sustainable Technologies : “The rise of sustainable technologies is not a mere trend but a necessity to ensure the future survival and prosperity of our planet.”
  • Digital Nomadism : “The evolution of remote work technologies has birthed the digital nomad culture, reshaping traditional perceptions of work-life balance and productivity.”
  • Space Technologies : “Emerging space technologies, from satellite constellations to interplanetary exploration, hold the promise of reshaping our understanding of the universe and our place in it.”
  • Tech and Pop Culture : “The infusion of technology into pop culture, from movies to music, reflects society’s struggles, aspirations, and dreams in the digital age.”
  • Digital Archiving : “The practice of digital archiving is crucial not just for preserving history but for ensuring accountability in the digital era.”
  • The Right to Disconnect : “As work and personal life boundaries blur due to technology, there’s a rising demand for the ‘right to disconnect’, ensuring mental well-being.”
  • Tech in Urban Planning : “Smart cities, driven by technology, promise enhanced living experiences, but they also raise concerns about surveillance and the loss of privacy.”

Thesis Statement Examples for Technology in the Classroom

Classroom technology has redefined traditional teaching methodologies, leading to a new age of learning. Essays in this category often grapple with the balance between technology and traditional pedagogies.

  • Digital Collaboration : “Collaborative tools in classrooms foster teamwork and communication but necessitate guidelines to ensure productive and respectful engagements.”
  • Interactive Learning : “Interactive whiteboards and digital simulations can enhance understanding and retention, but educators must ensure they don’t become mere entertainment.”
  • Classroom Analytics : “The use of analytics in classrooms promises personalized feedback and interventions, but raises concerns about student privacy and data misuse.”
  • Digital Textbooks : “While digital textbooks offer dynamic content and portability, the potential loss of traditional reading skills and tactile learning must be addressed.”
  • Flipped Classrooms : “Flipped classrooms, facilitated by technology, encourage student-centered learning at home, but require a redefinition of classroom roles and responsibilities.”
  • Tech and Special Needs : “Assistive technologies in classrooms have democratized education for students with special needs, but teachers need training to utilize them effectively.”
  • Student Engagement : “Gamified learning platforms can significantly increase student engagement, but there’s a risk of overemphasis on rewards over actual learning outcomes.”
  • Distance Learning : “Technology has made distance learning feasible and expansive, yet the challenges of student isolation and self-regulation need addressing.”
  • Digital Citizenship : “Teaching digital citizenship in classrooms is essential in the modern age to ensure students use technology responsibly and ethically.”
  • Classroom VR : “Introducing virtual reality in classrooms can offer immersive educational experiences, but its efficacy and potential overstimulation issues need thorough research.”

What is a good thesis statement for technology?

A good thesis statement for technology succinctly captures your main argument or perspective on a specific technological issue. Such a statement should exhibit:

  • Precision : Clearly articulate your viewpoint on the technological matter, ensuring it isn’t vague.
  • Debate Potential : Present a point open to discussion or counterargument, not just a plain fact.
  • Current Relevance : Address up-to-date technological advancements or concerns.
  • Conciseness : Stay direct and avoid broad overviews.

Example: “Artificial intelligence in healthcare, while promising enhanced patient care, raises pressing ethical concerns.”

How do you write a Technology Thesis Statement? – Step by Step Guide

  • Pinpoint a Specific Tech Area : Instead of a broad area like “technology,” zoom into niches: e.g., “Blockchain’s role in data security” or “Virtual Reality in education.”
  • Undertake Preliminary Research : Grasp the current scenario of your selected area. Identify ongoing debates, breakthroughs, and challenges.
  • State Your Assertion : Your research will guide you to a specific stance. This becomes your thesis’s foundation.
  • Check for Debate Potential : Ensure that your assertion isn’t just stating the obvious but invites discussion.
  • Maintain Brevity : Keep it succinct—usually, one to two sentences will suffice.
  • Iterate : As your research or essay progresses, you might find the need to fine-tune your statement.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement on Technology Topics

  • Stay Informed : With technology’s rapid pace, being up-to-date is essential. Your thesis should resonate with current technological dialogues.
  • Steer Clear of Jargons : If your audience isn’t tech-centric, simplify or explain tech terms for clarity.
  • Dive into Ethical Angles : Tech topics often interweave with ethical considerations. Tackling these adds depth.
  • Solicit Feedback : Sharing your thesis with colleagues or mentors can offer new viewpoints or refinements.
  • Employ Assertive Language : Words like “should,” “must,” or “will” give your statement authority.
  • Remain Adaptable : If new evidence emerges as you write, be open to reworking your thesis slightly.
  • Link to Broader Implications : Relating your tech topic to wider societal or global issues can offer added layers of significance.
  • Ensure Clarity : Your thesis should have one clear interpretation to avoid reader confusion.

By honing these techniques and tips, you’ll be adept at formulating impactful thesis statements tailored to technology-centric topics. As technology continues to shape our world, the ability to critically and concisely discuss its implications is invaluable.  You may also be interested in our Analytical Essay thesis statement .

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Analytical study on the impact of technology in higher education during the age of COVID-19: Systematic literature review

  • Published: 30 March 2021
  • Volume 26 , pages 6719–6746, ( 2021 )

Cite this article

thesis about technologies

  • Manar Abu Talib   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3001-0077 1 ,
  • Anissa M. Bettayeb 1 &
  • Razan I. Omer 1  

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With the advent of COVID-19 arose the need for social distancing measures, including the imposition of far-reaching lockdowns in many countries. The lockdown has wreaked havoc on many aspects of daily life, but education has been particularly hard hit by this unprecedented situation. The closure of educational institutions brought along many changes, including the transition to more technology-based education. This is a systematic literature review that seeks to explore the transition, in the context of the pandemic, from traditional education that involves face-to-face interaction in physical classrooms to online distance education. It examines the ways in which this transition has impacted academia and students and looks at the potential long-term consequences it may have caused. It also presents some of the suggestions made by the studies included in the paper, which may help alleviate the negative impact of lockdown on education and promote a smoother transition to online learning.

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

1 Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, also known as COVID-19, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was first identified in a seafood market in Wuhan in late December 2019 (Huang, 2020 ).

The disease is airborne and mainly spreads through physical proximity with infected people. Clinical analysis results of the virus showed person-to-person transmission (Li et al., 2020 ). Broadly speaking, there are two modes of transmission—direct and indirect. The direct mode involves droplet and air transmission, while indirect transmission may occur via contaminated surfaces (Karia, 2020 ).

Due to its highly contagious nature, the COVID-19 virus swept the globe in the matter of weeks. Between December 2019 and October 2020, more than 45 million cases of COVID-19 were reported, including over a million deaths. (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020 ). By March 2020, the epidemic was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020 ).

The call for social distancing and limiting face-to-face contact outside the immediate family has never been louder. Social distancing is a deliberate increase in the physical gap between individuals to minimize the spread of disease (Red Cross, 2020 ).

Many facets of everyday life have been devastated by the pandemic. It prompted counties around the world to adopt a sequence of emergency response systems (Zhang et al., 2020 ). Authorities worldwide issued stay-at-home orders, imposing prolonged periods of lockdown, which led to a disruption in educational activities globally. This was done to curb infection rates and flatten the incidence curve in an effort to prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed.

In many parts of the world, this meant a temporary shutdown of educational institutions. These nationwide closures impacted millions of students and their families, particularly those from underprivileged communities (UNESCO, 2020 ).

Some of the educational institutions that faced closure progressively re-opened and started operating under online learning models in order to continue the academic progress of students, while simultaneously observing measures to reduce the impact of the current health crisis.

Previous outbreaks of infectious diseases such as swine flu have prompted significant school closures worldwide, with varying degrees of effectiveness (Barnum, 2020 ). If school closures happen late during a pandemic, they are less effective and may have little impact at all (Zumla et al., 2010 ). Educational institutions have been compelled to make an immediate transition to remote methods of learning that rely heavily on technology. The immediate transition to online learning has not made it possible for many to be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead (Hodges et al., 2020 ). This migration to remote learning had to be implemented as quickly as possible, and for many learning institutions, it happened several months into the academic year, leaving both staff and students with little time to plan, adjust and adapt.

This shed the light on various underlying economic and social issues. According to UNESCO, more than a billion learners worldwide have been affected at some point by the school closures that were initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 2020, over 300 million learners spread across over 30 countries, which constitute approximately 18% of total enrolled learners, have been kept out of schools due to lockdown (UNESCO, 2020 ).

While the disruption in learning caused by COVID-19 is unprecedented, important insights can be gained about its far-reaching implications through an examination of relevant existing studies and data.

This paper is a systematic literature review that looks at the existing literature and discusses the crisis-response migration methods to technology-based online learning done by mainly higher learning institutions in terms of their impact on instructional delivery, students and faculty, and education as a whole. Firstly, it categorizes the studies in terms of which facet of education the impact of COVID-19 in was explored. Then, it performs a SWOT analysis on the digital transformation to online learning. In other words, it looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Lastly, it attempts to collect and summarize student and faculty feedback on online education and then outlines some of the recommendations made by either the students and faculty or the authors of the selected studies for improving the system.

The rest of the paper is divided into six sections. Section 2 discusses some of the related works, while Section 3 presents the methodology used in this study, including the selected research questions, search strategy, study selection process, quality assessment rules and data extraction strategy. It also presents some statistics about the selected papers. Section 4 presents the findings of the study and discusses them in detail, while Section 5 concludes with a summary of the research outcomes and possible future work. Section 6 constitutes an acknowledgement of various contributions to the creation of this paper.

2 Related work

In response to COVID-19, a lot of countries were faced with pressure to contain the spread of this highly contagious disease. To many educational institutions, this meant either partial or complete closure. Others transitioned to technology-based distance learning.

A systematic review was conducted by Viner et al. ( 2020 ) examines existing knowledge to identify the effects of school closures and other social distancing measures during outbreaks on infection rates and virus transmission. It suggested that school closures play a relatively small role in the control of disease transmission, and that the insignificant benefits such closures bring to transmission reduction could be easily outweighed by their profound negative economic and social consequences (Viner et al., 2020 ).

There is no strong evidence to support the effectiveness of full closure in controlling the pandemic. If anything, there are significant economic downfalls to such a response, not to mention the academic delay incurred by students. That is why a lot of academic institutions opted for the less drastic measure of transitioning to online distance education (ODE).

ODE is the use of the internet and certain other significant technology for the production of educational content, instructional delivery and program management (Fry, 2001 ). ODE can be delivered in two main formats: synchronous and asynchronous. As the name suggests, synchronous distance education (SDE) involves live, real-time interaction between teachers and students. It aims to simulate the communication model of a traditional classroom. Examples of SDE would include live webinars or virtual classrooms. Asynchronous education, on the other hand, introduces temporal flexibility. It does not require real-time interaction; instead, the educational material is available online for students to access at their own convenience. Examples of asynchronous education would be video recordings and emails (The Florida Center for Instructional Technology, n.d. ).

A systematic review and meta-analysis provided on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted by papers released between January 2000 and March 2020 on the effectiveness and acceptance of SDE in health sciences as compared to more traditional educational methods measured the knowledge of students, their skills (using objective assessments) and their overall satisfaction (using subjective evaluations). It found there to be no significant difference between traditional education and synchronous distance education in terms of effectiveness and objective assessments. However, in subjective evaluations, SDE resulted in a higher satisfaction rating, indicating that it was preferred to some extent by students, despite being neither better nor worse in the earlier two measures (He et al., 2020 ).

Additionally, Carrillo & Flores ( 2020 ) conducted a review of the literature between January 2000 and April 2020 on online teaching and learning practices in teacher education to explore how and why online teaching and learning in teacher education occur, and also discussing its implications in the context of the pandemic. The review highlighted the complex nature of the model, discussing such factors as social, cognitive and teaching issues and the need for a comprehensive view of the pedagogy of online technology-based education used to support teaching and learning (Carrillo & Flores, 2020 ).

Daoud et al. ( 2020 ) conducted a systematic review focused on the issue of equity regarding home internet access by evaluating the educational value of having internet at home for school-aged children. It found a range of correlations that were mostly positive between access to home internet and educational value across three functions: qualification (academic knowledge and skills), subjectification (strengthening individuality) and socialization (of future citizens). However, the correlation was not straightforward, nor did it imply causation. The educational value in home internet use is influenced by variables regarding the nature of online activities such as how the technology is being used and socio-economic status (Daoud et al., 2020 ).

Di Pietro et al. ( 2020 ) produced a paper that attempts to explore the direct and indirect ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic may impact education. Based on the existing literature and pre-COVID-19 data, it made predictions about the impact on and future of education. The paper drew four main conclusions: 1) learning is expected to suffer a setback on average; 2) the effect on academic performance is likely to vary with socio-economic status; 3) inequality in socio-economic status may manifest in an emotional response, as those from less privileged backgrounds may be under more environmental stress; 4) the widening social gap may persist and have long-term implications (Di Pietro et al., 2020 ).

Some online emergency learning approaches are criticized for not adhering to sound pedagogical norms, best practices and prior studies (Hodges et al., 2020 ). Some have noted the potential negative effects of educational technology fixes being implemented quickly without balancing their effect (Selwyn et al., 2020 ; St. Amour, 2020 ). In addition, leaping into online education and online learning platforms has also raised concerns regarding surveillance and privacy and its impact on the lives of students (Harwell, 2020 ).

A study that aims to map the scientific literature in the areas of education and management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic suggests the existence of three distinct groups or research flows in the published literature. These main themes were identified as: 1) education based on online constructs and distance learning; 2) the impact of COVID-19 from a management perspective; and 3) studies with a particular focus on Canada. The studies chosen for the analysis were found to be of various typologies, the most relevant of which was qualitative. The analysis revealed that research on the disruption in education and scientific production caused by the pandemic is rather scarce, which might be the result of the lack of empirical data (Rodrigues et al., 2020 ).

Since this phenomenon is still relatively recent, there is a lack of research that discusses the direct effect of the digital transformation in higher education caused by the pandemic, its pros, cons and future implications. This systematic literature review is different from those described above, as it provides an extensive review on the research done on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on formal education. Specifically, this study explores the ways in which the transition from traditional in-person educational models that involve face-to-face interaction and classroom teaching to ODE has impacted academia and students, and the consequences it might have had on student performance and the well-being of all involved.

The pandemic might have set in motion changes that are to last millennia in the way education is conducted across the globe. It is therefore imperative to study the direct impact of the pandemic on the education sector and understand the role it played in revolutionizing the way we think about education in order to make informed pedagogical choices in the future and ensure a smooth transition into more flexible but effective online teaching methods. As a result, our research paper has the following important contributions:

Explore the kind of changes the shift to online education has caused

Discuss the impact of these changes on students and teachers

Provide an insight into the current state of education and how the pandemic could affect its future

Table  1 summarizes the literature reviews discussed in this section as well as this study’s objective.

3 Methodology

This study is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) based on the guidelines for performing such reviews laid out in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (Moher et al., 2015 ), which are comprised of three main stages: search, eligibility and data collection and extraction. For example:

Search defines the search strategy in terms of what keywords and search engines or libraries will be used.

Eligibility is concerned with setting up inclusion and exclusion criteria aligned with the research objectives to specify the study and reporting standards, and then applying them to the collected papers.

Data collection and extraction is the process of obtaining eligible reports and extracting data from them in order to investigate the posed research questions.

This study tackles the topic of education during the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying shift to remote learning. The review process is composed of six stages. The first stage was coming up with research questions that reflect the aim of the study. The second involved collecting papers relevant to the topic. In the third stage, exclusion and inclusion criteria were defined and applied to the collected papers. The fourth stage involved extracting answers to the research questions from papers that made it through the final round of exclusion. The fifth and final stage was the synthesis of data obtained through this information extraction process to reach meaningful conclusions.

Figure  1 below illustrates this process.

figure 1

Research methodology

3.1 Research questions

This systematic literature review aims to examine and summarize the impact COVID-19 had on education through the shift to online learning it caused in early 2020. The following five research questions were posed:

What are the aspects and impacts of COVID-19 on education?

RQ1 aims to identify the underlying theme or lens through which the impact of COVID-19 on education was explored in the papers. In other words, on what aspect of education or the educational system is the paper attempting to shed light on the impact of COVID-19?

What are the limitations of online education?

RQ2 examines the implemented online teaching models critically and identifies their flaws as defined in the research papers. This is the first phase of a SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It considers the weakness and threats of online education.

What are the advantages & opportunities laid out by this digital transformation in higher education?

The aim of RQ3 is to recognize the benefits and opportunities presented by this unprecedented move toward digital-based learning in higher education institutions. This is the second phase of the SWOT analysis and it focuses on the digital transformation’s strengths and opportunities.

What was the feedback of students and teachers?

RQ4 collects and summarizes the responses of students and teachers to this transformation and how it impacted their experience.

What recommendations were made?

RQ5 attempts to summarize the recommendations put forward by either the authors of the studies or the people who participated in them.

3.2 Search strategy

The research questions were used as a guideline to roughly identify the main search keywords. Terms synonymous or highly related to the main search keywords were included in the search. Google Scholar was used for the search, which employed variations of the following search keywords: “COVID-19” “effects” “impact” “education” “higher education” “academia” “university” “online learning” “students” “teaching” “e-learning”.

The number of results varied by combination of keywords, but on average between 200 and 300 results showed up per search, a number increasing by the day given the current relevance of the topics at hand. The majority of papers came from journals.

3.3 Study selection

All papers based on the search keywords mentioned above that seemed, if only tenuously, relevant to the topic of education during COVID-19 were collected. Only papers that were published later than 2019 were retained. Papers that did not belong to high-quality, prestigious journals were excluded.

To ensure the quality of the selected papers and they do not belong to predatory journals, we first checked them against Elsevier’s abstract and citation database, Scopus. We also made sure they belonged to either the first quartile (Q1) or second quartile (Q2) according to the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). SJR indicates the scientific influence of scholarly journals. Moreover, the journals were reviewed against Beall’s List, which is a list of predatory open-access publishers that did not perform proper peer review and they publish any article as long as the authors paid the open-access fee. This brought the number of papers selected for the purpose of this study down dramatically to 47—less than half of all papers collected initially.

As mentioned earlier, the search based on the selected keywords yielded somewhere between 100 and 300 results. Over 100 papers seemed relevant and were downloaded to serve as a starting point. Moving on, we filtered the papers based on their compliance with our inclusion criteria. The process can be summarized as follows:

download papers that showed up in the search results

delete any duplicates

apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria to get rid of any irrelevant papers

set aside survey and review papers

extract answers to the research questions from the selected papers while applying the quality assessment rules stated in section 3.4 that were designed to include only qualified papers.

Table  2 summarizes the applied inclusion and exclusion criteria of study papers.

3.4 Quality assessment rules (QARs)

This final step is to determine the quality of the collected research papers. To measure the quality of the papers included in the study and confirm their pertinence to our research objectives, ten Quality Assessment Rules (QARs) were set. Marks out of 10 were given to each paper based on its compliance with the established QARs. The QARs were formulated based on our understanding of the current state of research in this field and the research gap this paper is attempting to fill. The papers were scored for their ability to meet high research standards while adequately addressing our research question. For each of the ten questions, a paper is given a score as follows: “fully answered” = 1, “above average” = 0.75, “average” = 0.5, “below average” = 0.25, “not answered” = 0. The summation of the marks achieved for the 10 QARs is the paper’s ranking. Papers that score 5 or higher are accepted, while the remaining are excluded.

Are the study objectives clearly defined?

Is the impact of COVID-19 on education well-defined?

Is the specific context and usage (themes) clearly defined?

Is the study method well-designed and justifiable?

Is the scope of the study large enough?

Are the advantages and opportunities of the proposed teaching/technology methods well-explained?

Are the weaknesses and limitations of the proposed teaching/technology methods well-explained?

Are student/teacher evaluations reported?

Are the recommendations of the proposed methods suitable?

Overall, does the study enrich the academic community or industry?

3.5 Data extraction strategy

In this step, the final list of papers was analyzed to answer the research questions and extract any pertinent information.

The following information was extracted from each paper: Paper title, Publisher, Journal, month of publication, description of the paper’s objective, the answers to RQ1, RQ2, RQ3, RQ4 and RQ5.

Due to the indistinct terminology used within some papers and the relative narrowness of our research questions in comparison to the questions posed by the collected papers, there were gaps in the answer extraction as reflected in Fig.  4 .

In some cases, the authors had to infer answers that weren’t explicity expressed in the papers. This meant that some of the answers extracted were personal intrepretations of the findings done by the authors.

3.6 Statistics about the selected papers

As can be seen from Fig. 2 , Elsevier & IJWIL journals held the 2nd and 3rd positions, coming in at 19% and 17% respectively. Other publishers, including Springer, Routledge & MDPI, contributed similar amounts of papers and came at 13% of the total paper count or less.

figure 2

Publishers of the selected papers by frequency

However, 32% of the papers were put out by miscellaneous publishers. These publishers include: The BMJ, ACS Publication, Science Press, Wiley, Taylor and Francis Ltd., Primrose Hall Publishing Group, Scientific Research Publishing, Academy of Science of South Africa, Association for Learning Technology, Association for Social Studies Educators, Modestum and Kathmandu University.

Figure  3 shows the months of publication of the selected papers. It is noteworthy that the largest number of papers relevant to this review were produced in July, three to four months after many lockdowns were implemented and distance learning was put in effect. The number of papers selected for this review subsequently declined. For 13 of the selected papers, the month of publication was either not explicitly specified or couldn’t be identified by the authors.

figure 3

Frequency of selected papers by month

As can be seen from Fig. 4 , all research questions were answered by more than 70% of the papers, which speaks to their broadness and generality. The only exception was RQ5, which had a 61.70% answer rate, mostly from papers discussing the topic of “student experience”, as will be shown in the following section.

figure 4

Frequency of answers for each research question

4 Results and discussion

The majority of educational institutions in the chosen studies migrated to distance learning. While not all papers specified the particular methods or platforms employed, video conferencing, E-portals, webinars, websites, video recordings, simulations and online quizzes were frequently listed as the primary means of conducting classes and evaluating student performance.

A total of 47 studies were compiled using the quality criteria mentioned in section 3.4 . A list of these studies is included in Table  7 in Appendix A. Here in section 4 , we present the findings of this literature review. The outcomes of each research question are explored in detail in each of the following five sections.

4.1 Area of focus

In this section, the first research question (RQ1) is addressed, which aims to identify the underlying theme or lens through which the impact of COVID-19 on education was explored in the papers. There were four main identifiable themes:

Impact on Education : explores the transition from traditional classroom teaching methods to more technology-based learning, and the impact of that transition.

Student Experience : explores the impact the lockdown had on students either academically or personally and their experience with ODE as well as their academic performance using remote learning methods.

Proposal : proposes and/or experiments with a remote teaching method or platform.

Policy : explores the responses to the pandemic and the role of policymaking in leveling the playfield in education.

Equality : discusses the disparity observed between different social groups during the pandemic and the impact it had on accessibility and equity.

In this review, 25 papers discussed the impact of COVID-19 on education, namely the digital transformation driven by it, its advantages and disadvantages, and what this could mean going forward.

Eighteen papers included discussions about the experience of students and staff with ODE, as well as the participants’ views on its potential upsides and downsides. Most of the answers given for RQ5 came from this group.

Four papers proposed solutions for remote learning or experimented with a particular platform to analyze its efficacy.

Three papers looked at the current academic situation through a political lens, discussing education-related policy in light of the pandemic.

Two papers discussed how the lockdown and the accompanying transition to technology-based learning further exacerbated differences in educational progress between the children of lower income families with limited access to Wi-Fi and digital devices or services and those of higher income families that do not share the same struggles.

Figure  5 highlights the differences in the frequency of the discussed areas. It is worth noting that these percentages add up to more than 100% because there is overlap between the papers in terms of the areas chosen for discussion.

figure 5

Topics discussed in selected papers

4.2 Disadvantages & limitations

This section addresses research question 2 (RQ2), which takes a critical view of the implemented teaching models and identifies their shortcomings as described in the papers that studied or mentioned them.

The key disadvantages can be summarized in the following points:

Inequality & inaccessibility : there is a gap in student access to this type of education, which is usually related to family income.. Transitioning to online learning exacerbated differences between privileged and underprivileged students. Students from less prosperous regions have limited or no access to digital devices and Wi-Fi. They also have lower technical abilities., granting more privileged students an unfair academic advantage. This disparity extends to educational institutions in rural areas or deprived parts of the world that may be less well-equipped than those in urban areas.

Inadequacy : while technology can be a great aid to the learning experience, it cannot act as a complete substitute, particularly for STEM fields that require hands-on training in laboratories or operation rooms. This is especially true for health care sciences. 34% of the chosen studies focused on medical education specifically, looking at nursing or residency programs in particular. These papers tended to emphasize the value of practical training and how indirect knowledge gained from simulations or demonstration videos alone cannot act as a substitute.

Communication quality : building and sustaining relationships and developing rapport between students, their peers, and their teachers became more difficult due to the devaluation or lack of face-to-face contact, as well as the inherent ambiguity of written interactions.. Clarifying instructions and gauging student response, engagement and participation, or lack thereof, becomes more difficult for teachers and instructors in the absence of direct contact and the ability to monitor students face-to-face.

Technical difficulties : poor internet reception or Wi-Fi, connection stability, glitches and other technical failures can interfere with the flow of communication.

Stress, workload and morale : the forced and rapid transition to online learning affected mental health among students. Many experienced lockdown-related anxieties about financial stability and socializing that indirectly affected their performance. Academic staff had to deal with an increased or even doubled workload. Also, lack of face-to-face social interaction for extended periods of time can have a detrimental effect on mental health.

Technological literacy : due to the sudden and forced nature of this digital transition, a lot of educational institutions were caught off-guard, allowing them little to no time to prepare their academic staff. This left non-tech savvy teachers and instructors underprepared and/or underequipped to handle sophisticated computer and internet related tasks. Instructors’ lack of technological competence and previous training in or familiarity with utilizing online tools posed an obstacle. The inability of academic staff to use technology negatively impacted the success of ODE in many cases.

Student engagement, participation and motivation : student engagement was sometimes lacking due to factors such as reliance on recorded lectures, a lack of motivation or interest, stress and boredom, as well as the distraction caused by using electronic devices. Added to this was fatigue induced by prolonged staring at screens and feelings of isolation and depression from lack of personal contact.

Student performance assessment : due to the difficulties associated with bringing students to campus to administer tests, academic staff were faced with the challenge of redesigning evaluations in a way that fairly and reliably captured student performance. This was particularly challenging in practical courses.

Work-life balance : ODE allows great flexibility in time and location. While this flexibility may be convenient, it’s a double-edged sword that could also blur the boundaries between academic and personal life. Whereas in conventional educational models lectures are strictly bound by fixed times and physical locations.

Privacy concerns : concerns about breach of privacy, data protection and anonymous misconduct.

Table  3 lists the research articles that mentioned disadvantages and limitations of distance education based on the aforementioned points.

4.3 Advantages & opportunities

This section addresses research question 3 (RQ3), which aims to identify the advantages and opportunities laid by this digital transformation in education.

There are several main identifiable key advantages and opportunities. They can be summarized as follows:

Remote learning : ODE transcends the borders of time and geographical location. It allows students the flexibility to tune in into their lectures from the comfort of their own homes or any other location. It also allows students to self-regulate their learning and proceed at their own pace thanks to the temporal flexibility of online learning, which is made possible by features such as lecture recording.

Discussion & Communication : online learning facilitates a modern and convenient mode of communication. Important discussions can be raised during lectures and participating students can benefit from these discussions by listening or by engaging through chat. It is also an effective means of communication as participants do not have to meet in person or face the discomfort that can accompany speaking in front of a live audience, thereby further encouraging discussion. Online learning also helps parents of young children to be more involved in their children’s education.

Impetus for change : this forced digital transformation in education exposed problems within the system and pushed educators to contemplate and review current and previous models of education, providing a window into what a technology-based education and work environment might be like, thereby stimulating pedagogical innovations and accelerating change. It is hastening progress and can be viewed as an impetus for the reform of curriculum and teaching approaches.

Equally effective : the implementation of online learning and the use of simulations and other methods for didactic purposes were perceived as useful and adequate, if not complete, substitutes for traditional learning. It accomplished its goal of continuing the delivery of education amidst the pandemic, while also helping students meet the requirements expected from them.

Efficient : contributed to or improved knowledge dissemination, with cost-effectiveness, flexibility and overall efficiency as added benefits.

Exposure to tech : incorporating technology into education exposes students to modern and relevant technologies. This helps both students and academic staff close the technological literacy gap while also fostering expertise in online and digital media, thereby preparing students for the job market in an increasingly technology-reliant world of digitization and automation.

Decreased costs : the shift to online education can be credited for the decrease in educational costs. It provides students with a comparable learning experience without the need for expensive infrastructure, not to mention a reduction in other hidden costs such as travel expenses.

Table  4 lists the research articles that mentioned advantages and opportunities of distance education based on the aforementioned points.

4.4 Student and teacher feedback

This section addresses the fourth research question (RQ4), which aims to gauge the response of students and teachers to this transformation and how it impacted their experience.

The papers that explored the topic of student experience provided the main insights to this question, which can be summarized as follows:

Satisfactory or beneficial : ODE was regarded as a good learning experience and helpful in the sense that it assisted in cultivating knowledge in a unique and efficient manner.

Adequate and effective : ODE was deemed satisfactory in achieving its objective of continuing education. In some cases, it was thought to have had no significant impact on studies. And in other cases it was thought to boost productivity.

Expressed doubts or concern : participants expressed doubts about the efficacy of ODE, uncertainty about the future, and concern over the long-term consequences of the digital transformation on health, security and equity..

Overwhelming : some staff had difficulty adjusting given how abrupt the transition was. Many had to devise new student performance assessment methods to compensate for the inability to directly monitor students in exams and quizzes. In some cases, the transition led to an increase in workload.

Potential : some participants thought ODE could support their teaching or studies, recommended it for future use or viewed it as a catalyst for revision of existing norms.

Appreciation for staff or peers : participants expressed appreciation and gratitude towards others within the institution for their efforts in coping with the situation, providing assistance and being responsive.

Improvement in performance : ODE was thought to enhance efficiency, performance and attention, as well as help in the learning process.

Preferred to traditional : although students expressed sentiments of missing peer-to-peer interaction, the majority were open to and some even favoured ODE to conventional learning that requires physical attendance and is restricted to classrooms. This may be due to the flexibility, convenience and low cost of online learning.

Anxiety inducing : some participants reported feelings of stress or anxiety in trying to grapple with the current pandemic situation while adapting to the new learning scheme.

Table  5 lists the research articles that described feedback received on distance education based on the aforementioned points.

4.5 Study recommendations

This section addresses research question 5 (RQ5), which attempts to summarize the recommendations put forward by either the authors of the selected studies or the people who participated in them.

The following are the key recommendations made:

Support for students : boosting and maintaining motivation of students to improve morale and help combat any lockdown-induced stress or anxiety.

High-quality tools : providing accessible, user-friendly, error-free and high-quality E-learning portals and other types of online platforms.

Providing & receiving feedback : providing and receiving feedback to and from students to improve the quality of online education.

Investigating efficacy : exploring the outcomes of ODE and reflecting on the differences between it and traditional education in order to ascertain which aspects of it are viable and meet the demands sets by the pandemic situation. This is also to assist teachers in employing effective teaching techniques and to enable researchers and institutions to continue the development of online educational tools.

Stating objectives : students need to feel the relevance of the study material to the real world, as well as understand the course requirements. To that end, teachers must spell out expectations and clarify course objectives as well as the importance of the syllabus. They also need to delineate their roles and responsibilities as lecturers and mentors early on in the academic year.

Policymaking : policymakers should seek to understand and mitigate any risks or inequalities created by this rapid transition to online learning, which may be caused by income or workload disparities.

Redesign : the revisiting and rethinking of pedagogical strategies and the development of orienting principles to guide the transition to online education, as well as making the necessary adjustments to infrastructure.

Training of staff & students : providing students and teachers with adaptability training to familiarize them with technology, increase their competence and prepare them to deal with technical issues that can occur during online lectures. This will also help in the smart application of technology to realize its potential in the realm of online education.

Diversifying : maximizing efficiency by avoiding reliance on a single method or platform and instead using a variety of online learning resources. For example, a course could use both video conferencing and text messaging.

Broadening accessibility : this could mean providing underequipped students with the equipment necessary to partake in online activities, such as electronic devices and stable internet connection.

Table  6 lists the research articles that made recommendations based on the points listed above.

5 Conclusion and future work

It goes with without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on society and on the way humans organize themselves in the real world. It has exposed systematic issues within institutions and brought about long overdue changes. The educational system was no exception to this.

This review aimed to look at and evaluate the impact these changes have had on education, with a particular focus on the digital transformation and the shift to online learning caused by the pandemic. To do so, we took a look at more than 40 papers from high impact journals that touched on the topic of education during the times of COVID-19.

Many institutions and governments were underprepared for this abrupt migration to technology-based working and learning. This resulted in issues of inequality, lack of access and lack of skills to facilitate this type of learning. There are limitations inherent to ODE that prevent it from acting as a full substitute to traditional education. This is particularly true in fields where hands-on training is an absolute necessity to meet learning requirements.

On the plus side, the new forced dependence on technology in education may hasten some already underway changes. On the negative side, requiring children to continue their studies at home may worsen educational disparities caused by inequalities.

From the viewpoint of learners and educators, there are a range of difficulties in switching from offline to online learning modes. Another stumbling block in the acceptance of online teaching is involving students and indulging them in teaching-learning progression. It takes an hour to create content that not only covers the curriculum, but also inspires learners.

We found that some of the key disadvantages of ODE that were cited in the collected papers were inequality of access, inadequacy of online teaching, poor communication quality, technical difficulties, increased workload and stress, low technological literacy, difficulty in assessment of student engagement and performance, bad work-life balance and some privacy concerns.

Whereas the main advantages of ODE according to the papers were flexibility and convenience, discussion & communication, effectiveness as a didactic tool, efficiency, decreased costs, increased exposure to technology and that it was seen as an impetus for change.

The papers that explored the topic of student experience aimed to gauge the response of students and teachers to this transformation and how it impacted their experience and we found that the main feedback point given was that online education was satisfactory, beneficial and effective. However, some expressed doubts over the efficacy of remote learning, uncertainty about the future, and concern over the long-term consequences on health, security and access due to this digital transformation. Others found it to be overwhelming or anxiety inducing. However, some observed an improvement in performance and expressed more appreciation towards their peers and faculty members.

Although the adoption of online teaching during COVID-19 is commendable, the quality of teaching and courses offered online must also be developed and strengthened. Some of the advice that has been put forward to help in that regard includes supporting students by improving morale, providing high-quality e-learning tools, giving and receiving feedback from students, investigating the outcomes of ODE, clarifying course objectives and expectations to students, providing training for students and teachers to familiarize them with technology, diversfying instructional delivery methods, broadening accessibility to online learning, soliciting policymakers to make necessary changes and the revisiting and redesigning of pedagogical strategies.

The flexibilty and convenience ODE offers and the much-needed push for change it has inspired cannot be denied. However, its efficiency in terms of student outcome as compared to traditional education is still a point of dispute. It is therefore imperative to continue investigating online education. Policymakers should take the findings of research on education seriously in order to bridge whatever gaps may be present.

Future research could draw from a broader diversity of sources to reach wider conclusions.

Data availability

The data is available to anyone for review.

Code availability

Not applicable.

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The authors would like to thank University of Sharjah and OpenUAE Research and Development Group for funding this research study. We are also grateful to our research assistants who helped in collecting, summarizing, and analyzing the research articles for this SLR study.

This research paper was funded by the University of Sharjah (for OpenUAE Research and Development Group).

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Abu Talib, M., Bettayeb, A.M. & Omer, R.I. Analytical study on the impact of technology in higher education during the age of COVID-19: Systematic literature review. Educ Inf Technol 26 , 6719–6746 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10507-1

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Technological Advancement Essay

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Searching for a technological advancement essay? Look no further! This simple essay on breakthrough technologies describes all the benefits and drawbacks of the issue.

Introduction

Why write about technology advancement, breakthrough technologies in various sectors, technological advancement essay faq.

Technological advancement has taken major strides in bringing liberation to the divergent human wants and gratifications. After keen observation, I have come to realize that technological advancement plays a critical role in solving the major crisis of food shortages in the modern world. In the state of Virginia during the 17th century, human labor was imperative due to the pressing need to grow enough food to serve the people in the community during the winter spell hence the need to hire slaves from Africa to work on their farms (Brush, 1988).

This has since changed partly due to the technological advancements over the years that have led to the replacement of human and animal labor with more efficient energy sources as wind power, hydroelectric and steam energies that ultimately led to a significant increase in productivity. Thus, the thesis statement for this essay is to analyze the impact of technological advancement on people’s lives from ancient times to the present modern world.

It is evident that technology is the backbone of the industrial revolution process that has occurred over the years and leads to a total overhaul from crude systems to modern efficient machinery. With this in mind, we cannot overlook the role that technology has played on the social and economic fronts of many societies hence the need to have a deeper insight and research on this particular topic. The transformation brought about by technological advancement has helped many societies in Africa and the world at large to alleviate poverty and improve their standards of living through the increased food supply and significant growth in the economy and this integrates with the research question: Is technology liberating?

The three academic disciplines from which this research has drawn insight from include: agriculture, sociology and communication sectors.

Technology Advancement in Agriculture

In the ancient world, the main source of power was human labor obtained mainly from slaves. In North America for example, during the early 17th century, most whites purchased slaves as a chief source of labor to work on their farms but with the emancipation proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln during the civil war of 1863 that declared all slaves to be set free from bondage, their masters had no choice but to source for another alternative source of labor.

This act spearheaded the advancement of the agricultural revolution, which was also boosted by the industrial revolution that led to the development of more efficient agricultural machinery that required very few workers and resulted in higher farm production. Examples of some of the medieval technologies used in the ancient world included: water wheel, four-field crop rotation system, the horse collar and selective breeding of livestock with good traits.

In 1750, engineer John Smeaton working on the water wheel significantly increased its efficiency hence boosting its productivity. It was during this period that technological advancement, revolution, and innovation in agriculture were at its peak and it led to the emergence of new farm machinery like cultivators, combine harvesters and mowers that were pulled by oxen, mules, and horses. These machines were later powered by steam energy than a more efficient diesel fuel that led to a remarkable increase in farm output (Kedar, 2009). Previously, the land was prepared by a man using traditional mattocks and hoes made from raw materials obtained locally like wood and scrap metals.

With the mechanization of agriculture, farmers could now make use of the machinery like combine harvesters and petrol powered tractors to prepare large acres of land within a short period with minimum input on human labor to clear, plow and plant on their expansive farms. Technology has led to hybridization, selective breeding and inbreeding in livestock to obtain or maintain all the good qualities in their animals as high milk production, quality wool production, quality meat production, and other desirable animal traits.

Robert Bakewell and Thomas Coke doing their research on selective breeding crossed Lincoln and Longhorn sheep, to produce a hybrid that exhibited all the good qualities of both Lincoln and Longhorn and was referred to as New Leicester variety. This has helped in alleviating the crisis of food shortages through maximization of farm output.

Technology Advancement in Everyday Lives

Technology has been indispensable in bettering the social lives of many people in society. Technological advancements have led to the development in infrastructure and social amenities which has in turn positively impacted on the general livelihood of many individuals. It was until the Roman era in the 18th century that good roads were constructed, during those days, slaves were also used to carry loads and farm produce from the farms to storage warehouses and vice versa. They also used canoes and boats to carry farm products from North America between the Appalachian Mountains and Mississippi River during the early periods of the 19th century.

During this period, the transport system was still archaic and underdeveloped and people found it difficult to navigate from one region to another or carry heavy luggage over long distances because of poor roads and crude modes of transport. The canals preceded the construction of railroads that marked the beginning of the industrial revolution and from there we had significant developments in the transport sector with the construction of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869 and the subsequent construction of tarmac roads, sea canals and subway systems (Butler, 1996).

These developments made it easier for people to move around hence positively impacting on their social lives by enhancing communication, trade, and farming. This indirectly led to improved living standards as a result of the increased food supply by farmers and the development of business firms. Farmers could now effectively carry their farm inputs and fertilizers to the farm and farm products to the market without difficulties. Businesses also thrived because of the efficient transport system and in no time firms began proliferating from every sector of the economy. This enabled them to diversify their economic activities as they no longer depended on the agricultural sector for their daily provision but also ventured into the business sector within the community.

With the recent development in infrastructure, it paved the way to the development of social amenities as schools, hospitals, public toilets, shops and market centers that increased in number as more and more investors joined the market. These amenities played a critical role in the development of the economy and elevating the living standards of the people in the community as they could now easily access all the essential resources. Hence technology played a vital role in liberating the lives of many from the bondage of hunger and scarcity to a point of abundance and stable food supply.

Technology Advancement in Communication

Communication is the act of conveying information from one person to another either face to face or by means of a communication medium. According to Scruton (1996), during the ancient times, slaves used to communicate through hymns, quilts or underground railroads while others used drums to convey coded information since most had originated from Africa and drum beating was their cultural way of communicating. These primitive modes of communications were not very reliable as the information could at times be distorted or misinterpreted by the recipient leading to a communication breakdown.

During the ancient period, people used to communicate through messages carved on stone pillars but this type of communication had limitations as the recipients had to travel miles to receive them and the message could only be read within a certain reading range. Others like the American Indians used smoke to convey a particular message to the community while others used bonfires lit on hilltops but such signals were limited to conveying specific information like looming danger, war or victory.

Communication then developed to more elaborate form which included writing on portable materials like reeds and papyrus. This medium of communication was much more reliable than the earlier archaic communication system. With the emergence of technological advancement and innovations, the transmission of signals from one person to another through a more sophisticated medium like communication cables took center stage. In the early 1830s, the electrical communication system made significant progress in this industry as people could now get in touch through electronic devices like a telephone.

In the year 1833, scientists Carl Friedrich and Wilhelm Eduard Weber researching on the electric transmission devices, made use of the principle of “electromagnetic technology” that later acted as the fundamental basis or a prerequisite for the innovation of telephones (Williams, 1993). Subsequent experiments done by Alexander Bell and Thomas Watson worked to optimize its efficiency and could now be used for commercial purposes. This was later followed by other technological developments and innovations by telecommunication engineers and scientists that led to the production of the carbon microphone, telephone exchange, data storage devices, wireless phones, and computers.

At this point, we can only appreciate the technological advancements that the communication industry has taken overtime to come up with sophisticated and very efficient gadgets that can serve multiple purposes other than communication. Such progress in technology has acted as a remedy to the many communication snarl-ups that people in the ancient world had to contend with but now people can freely share information, ideas, thoughts, opinions, photos, video clips on very many communication platforms using the sophisticated devices and handsets.

For example, use of the internet on computers and mobile phones to share information and ideas across the globe hence making the world a small village and enabling the free flow of information that is objective and informative. Hence this technology could be used to positively impact the lives of people by making them more informed and educated.

In conclusion, technology has had quite a significant impact on people’s lives over the years by making life more bearable through the production of efficient systems that require little labor but produce a significantly high output. One significant finding from the above research is that African culture and tradition has been greatly revolutionized over the years from the archaic, crude and barbaric practices to sophisticated and more efficient processes through technological innovations and advancement. The introduction of western culture has worked to raise the living standards of many African communities that were previously languishing in hunger and poverty.

  • What is technological advancement? Technological advancement implies the emergence and development of technical devices that affect various spheres of peoples’ life. It affects economic, political, social, and other sectors.
  • How does technology affect the advancement of science? Modern technologies make it easier to share information and knowledge, allow scientists from different countries to interact effectively, and also involve the development of new methods of analysis.
  • How does the advancement of technology affect society? Modern technologies influence various spheres of public life. They have significantly changed the labor market, transport and communications. People’s daily lives have become easier and more efficient.
  • How do I start an essay about technology It is a good idea to start your technology advancement with a hook. One option is to use a quote, like the following one by Albert Einstein: “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” One more option is to use an exciting fact like the following one: Over 6,000 new computer viruses are created and released every month.

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Butler, G. (1996). A History of Information Technology and Systems. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

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Scruton, R. (1996 ). The Art of Communication Over the Years. The New Criterion, 15 (30), 9-13.

Williams, T. (1993). A Short History of Technology: From the Earliest Times . New York: Dover Publications.

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  • Technology Essay

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Essay on Technology

The word "technology" and its uses have immensely changed since the 20th century, and with time, it has continued to evolve ever since. We are living in a world driven by technology. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization, along with cultural changes. Technology provides innovative ways of doing work through various smart and innovative means. 

Electronic appliances, gadgets, faster modes of communication, and transport have added to the comfort factor in our lives. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and different business enterprises. Technology has brought a revolution in many operational fields. It has undoubtedly made a very important contribution to the progress that mankind has made over the years.

The Advancement of Technology:

Technology has reduced the effort and time and increased the efficiency of the production requirements in every field. It has made our lives easy, comfortable, healthy, and enjoyable. It has brought a revolution in transport and communication. The advancement of technology, along with science, has helped us to become self-reliant in all spheres of life. With the innovation of a particular technology, it becomes part of society and integral to human lives after a point in time.

Technology is Our Part of Life:

Technology has changed our day-to-day lives. Technology has brought the world closer and better connected. Those days have passed when only the rich could afford such luxuries. Because of the rise of globalisation and liberalisation, all luxuries are now within the reach of the average person. Today, an average middle-class family can afford a mobile phone, a television, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a computer, the Internet, etc. At the touch of a switch, a man can witness any event that is happening in far-off places.  

Benefits of Technology in All Fields: 

We cannot escape technology; it has improved the quality of life and brought about revolutions in various fields of modern-day society, be it communication, transportation, education, healthcare, and many more. Let us learn about it.

Technology in Communication:

With the advent of technology in communication, which includes telephones, fax machines, cellular phones, the Internet, multimedia, and email, communication has become much faster and easier. It has transformed and influenced relationships in many ways. We no longer need to rely on sending physical letters and waiting for several days for a response. Technology has made communication so simple that you can connect with anyone from anywhere by calling them via mobile phone or messaging them using different messaging apps that are easy to download.

Innovation in communication technology has had an immense influence on social life. Human socialising has become easier by using social networking sites, dating, and even matrimonial services available on mobile applications and websites.

Today, the Internet is used for shopping, paying utility bills, credit card bills, admission fees, e-commerce, and online banking. In the world of marketing, many companies are marketing and selling their products and creating brands over the internet. 

In the field of travel, cities, towns, states, and countries are using the web to post detailed tourist and event information. Travellers across the globe can easily find information on tourism, sightseeing, places to stay, weather, maps, timings for events, transportation schedules, and buy tickets to various tourist spots and destinations.

Technology in the Office or Workplace:

Technology has increased efficiency and flexibility in the workspace. Technology has made it easy to work remotely, which has increased the productivity of the employees. External and internal communication has become faster through emails and apps. Automation has saved time, and there is also a reduction in redundancy in tasks. Robots are now being used to manufacture products that consistently deliver the same product without defect until the robot itself fails. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology are innovations that are being deployed across industries to reap benefits.

Technology has wiped out the manual way of storing files. Now files are stored in the cloud, which can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. With technology, companies can make quick decisions, act faster towards solutions, and remain adaptable. Technology has optimised the usage of resources and connected businesses worldwide. For example, if the customer is based in America, he can have the services delivered from India. They can communicate with each other in an instant. Every company uses business technology like virtual meeting tools, corporate social networks, tablets, and smart customer relationship management applications that accelerate the fast movement of data and information.

Technology in Education:

Technology is making the education industry improve over time. With technology, students and parents have a variety of learning tools at their fingertips. Teachers can coordinate with classrooms across the world and share their ideas and resources online. Students can get immediate access to an abundance of good information on the Internet. Teachers and students can access plenty of resources available on the web and utilise them for their project work, research, etc. Online learning has changed our perception of education. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a paradigm shift using technology where school-going kids continued their studies from home and schools facilitated imparting education by their teachers online from home. Students have learned and used 21st-century skills and tools, like virtual classrooms, AR (Augmented Reality), robots, etc. All these have increased communication and collaboration significantly. 

Technology in Banking:

Technology and banking are now inseparable. Technology has boosted digital transformation in how the banking industry works and has vastly improved banking services for their customers across the globe.

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated and has reduced errors to almost nil, which were somewhat prevalent with manual human activities. Banks are adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase their efficiency and profits. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. 

You can now access your money, handle transactions like paying bills, money transfers, and online purchases from merchants, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe. You do not need to carry cash in your pocket or wallet; the payments can be made digitally using e-wallets. Mobile banking, banking apps, and cybersecurity are changing the face of the banking industry.

Manufacturing and Production Industry Automation:

At present, manufacturing industries are using all the latest technologies, ranging from big data analytics to artificial intelligence. Big data, ARVR (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality), and IoT (Internet of Things) are the biggest manufacturing industry players. Automation has increased the level of productivity in various fields. It has reduced labour costs, increased efficiency, and reduced the cost of production.

For example, 3D printing is used to design and develop prototypes in the automobile industry. Repetitive work is being done easily with the help of robots without any waste of time. This has also reduced the cost of the products. 

Technology in the Healthcare Industry:

Technological advancements in the healthcare industry have not only improved our personal quality of life and longevity; they have also improved the lives of many medical professionals and students who are training to become medical experts. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. 

The Internet has drastically transformed patients' and doctors’ relationships. Everyone can stay up to date on the latest medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer one another support when dealing with medical issues. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many sites and apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help. 

Breakthrough innovations in surgery, artificial organs, brain implants, and networked sensors are examples of transformative developments in the healthcare industry. Hospitals use different tools and applications to perform their administrative tasks, using digital marketing to promote their services.

Technology in Agriculture:

Today, farmers work very differently than they would have decades ago. Data analytics and robotics have built a productive food system. Digital innovations are being used for plant breeding and harvesting equipment. Software and mobile devices are helping farmers harvest better. With various data and information available to farmers, they can make better-informed decisions, for example, tracking the amount of carbon stored in soil and helping with climate change.

Disadvantages of Technology:

People have become dependent on various gadgets and machines, resulting in a lack of physical activity and tempting people to lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Even though technology has increased the productivity of individuals, organisations, and the nation, it has not increased the efficiency of machines. Machines cannot plan and think beyond the instructions that are fed into their system. Technology alone is not enough for progress and prosperity. Management is required, and management is a human act. Technology is largely dependent on human intervention. 

Computers and smartphones have led to an increase in social isolation. Young children are spending more time surfing the internet, playing games, and ignoring their real lives. Usage of technology is also resulting in job losses and distracting students from learning. Technology has been a reason for the production of weapons of destruction.

Dependency on technology is also increasing privacy concerns and cyber crimes, giving way to hackers.

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FAQs on Technology Essay

1. What is technology?

Technology refers to innovative ways of doing work through various smart means. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and businesses.

2. How has technology changed the face of banking?

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. You can now access your money, handle transactions, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe.

3. How has technology brought a revolution in the medical field?

Patients and doctors keep each other up to date on the most recent medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer each other support when dealing with medical issues. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many websites and mobile apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help.

4. Are we dependent on technology?

Yes, today, we are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. Computers, smartphones, and modern technology have helped humanity achieve success and progress. However, in hindsight, people need to continuously build a healthy lifestyle, sorting out personal problems that arise due to technological advancements in different aspects of human life.

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85 episodes

In Building At The Edges, Jess Sloss, instigator at Seed Club, holds intimate conversations with top innovators building irresistible web3 communities. We surface insights from DAO experiments and dig into decentralization's dual challenges and opportunities. Web3 unlocks novel mechanisms for people, not platforms, to capture the value created online. Building At The Edges is where we sense-make the high-velocity design space at the intersection of crypto and community.

Building At The Edges Seed Club

  • 5.0 • 7 Ratings
  • JAN 25, 2024

The USV Thesis & Investing in Consumer Crypto with Nick Grossman

Jess chats with Nick Grossman, Partner at Union Square Ventures, to explore USV's investment theses. They delve into how USV tackles significant markets undergoing transformative pressures, spanning social networks, vertical networks, crypto, and climate in order to identify opportunities at the peripheries where change is most promising.

  • DEC 14, 2023

The Problem with Points

Jess sits down with Brian Flynn, Founder and CEO of Rabbithole (https://rabbithole.gg/) to talk about the rise of points, the challenges they present, and some insights from building in consumer crypto in 2023. 

  • SEP 28, 2023

Exploring Consumer Crypto with SC06

A look at the people and products in SC06, Seed Club’s Consumer Crypto Accelerator featuring...   Host: Jess Sloss   Guests: Patrick Rivera, Steph Alinsug, Sam Spike, Ed Fornieles, Ren Stern, Jessica Van Meir, wijuwiju.eth, plus7, Thomas Chen, Ryan Hamilton, Ryan McMahill, Adi Sideman, Lucas Campbell   Collect this episode on Pods: https://pods.media/theevent   FOLLOW US Seed Club: https://twitter.com/seedclubhq  Jess: https://twitter.com/thattallguy Website: https://www.seedclub.xyz/ 

  • 1 hr 33 min
  • JUN 1, 2023

Future Primitive and ERC-6551

Jess sits down with Benny Giang and Jayden Windle from Future Primitive to talk about ERC-6551, a new token standard that enables every NFT to have its own wallet. In this conversation, they break down how an EIP works, why they chose to identify the Future Primitive brand so heavily with an EIP, and they lay out some interesting use cases for ERC-6551. Tune in for interesting takes on the Metaverse, NPCs, digital fashion, and more.    FOLLOW US Jess: https://twitter.com/jessewldn  Seed Club: https://twitter.com/seedclubhq  Benny: https://twitter.com/BennyGiang  Jayden: https://twitter.com/jayden_windle    LINKS https://www.seedclub.xyz/  https://m.twitch.tv/futureprimitivexyz    TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro  1:05 What is Future Primitive? 2:35 Launching Future Primitive as an EIP 6:11 What is an EIP? 8:04 ERC-6551 8:59 Future Primitive’s brand strategy 13:12 ERC-6551 use cases 17:42 User experience of ERC-6551 22:28 Benny’s view on the Metaverse 36:23 What makes Future Primitive novel 42:09 Closing thoughts 43:51 Outro   DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is the opinion of the speaker(s) only and is for informational purposes only. You should not construe it as investment advice, tax advice, or legal advice, and it does not represent any entity's opinion but those of the speaker(s). For investment or legal advice, please seek a duly licensed professional.  

  • MAY 25, 2023

Boys Club: A Social Collective - Deana Burke and Natasha Hoskins

On this episode of Building at the Edges we sit down with Deana Burke and Natasha Hoskins, co-founders of Boys Club, a social collective bringing new voices to the internet. We break down the structure of Boys Club, how the DAO fits into the larger brand, how the brand can become profitable, and their choice to focus on building the media business first. We discuss bootstrapping vs. venture funding, community growth vs. audience growth, and we have a really interesting conversation on how the belief in a brand is what makes a brand valuable.   FOLLOW US Jess: https://twitter.com/jessewldn  Seed Club: https://twitter.com/seedclubhq  Deana: https://twitter.com/medeana  Natasha: https://twitter.com/natashaghoskins  Boys Club: https://twitter.com/boysclubworld    LINKS https://www.seedclub.xyz/  https://www.boysclub.vip/newsletter    TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro  0:41 Boys Club 4:55 Is Boys Club a DAO? 11:27 Turning Boys Club into a business 22:44 Bootstrapping vs. venture funding 31:18 Belief in a brand 37:26 The Boys Club zine 38:55 Community growth vs. audience growth 40:34 DIMES 42:28 Outro   DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is the opinion of the speaker(s) only and is for informational purposes only. You should not construe it as investment advice, tax advice, or legal advice, and it does not represent any entity's opinion but those of the speaker(s). For investment or legal advice, please seek a duly licensed professional.  

  • MAY 18, 2023

Turning Listeners into Tastemakers - David Greenstein

On this episode of Building at the Edges we sit down with David Greenstein, co-founder of Sound, to talk about how Sound is creating better incentive alignment in the music industry. David shares why he co-founded Sound, how the project has evolved over time and what we can expect to see in their new mobile app. We discuss David’s choice to build Sound as a protocol and the value that interoperability and permissionless building brings to the larger Sound brand as we talk about the value of curation, how Sound is empowering listeners to be tastemakers, and how curators can build businesses on top of Sound. Tune in to hear discussions on music collection and digital identity, the impact of AI on music, and the redistribution of value in the music industry at large.    FOLLOW US Jesse: https://twitter.com/jessewldn  Seed Club: https://twitter.com/seedclubhq  David: https://twitter.com/dgreenstein1  Sound: https://twitter.com/soundxyz_    LINKS https://www.seedclub.xyz/  https://www.sound.xyz/    TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro  3:04 Sound.xyz 5:38 What blockchain technology can unlock for musical artists 8:13 The evolution of Sound 12:48 How Sound ships so fast 15:31 The choice to build Sound as a protocol 21:12 Turning listeners into tastemakers 25:22 The value of curation 27:21 Redistributing value in the music industry 29:34 The Sound mobile app 36:29 The role of AI in music 42:43 Closing thoughts 44:22 Follow David 45:59 Outro   DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is the opinion of the speaker(s) only and is for informational purposes only. You should not construe it as investment advice, tax advice, or legal advice, and it does not represent any entity's opinion but those of the speaker(s). For investment or legal advice, please seek a duly licensed professional.  

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