CAFS HSC STUDY NOTES

Define Technology

the use of knowledge, ideas and tools to exert control over the environment, such as to improve living conditions, communication and efficiency

What is UNESCO, 1985

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - which was developed with the aim of advocating for and contributing towards peace and security in the world through collaboration in education, science , culture and communication among nations.

How does UNESCO, 1985 define technology

Technology is the knowledge and ability that allows us to use tools, resources and systems to solve problems and to enhance control over our natural and made environments, in an effort to improve the human condition

What are the 4 main aspects of technology?

* Technology as applied practical knowledge

* Technology as hardware

* Technology as organisation of knowledge

* Other (eg assistive technology)

What does 'technology as applied practical knowledge' consist of?

The knowledge, skills, ideas and expertise that are used in a particular situation in order to meet human needs and wants

What does "technology as hardware" consist of?

The appliances, mechanisms and gadgets that can be used to assist a person or to make a task easier or more efficient

What does "technology as organisation of knowledge" consist of?

Communications, media, the internet and home entertainment systems are all aspects of technology that organise knowledge to make it available to people

What is "Assistive technology"?

It is technology that can be used by people who have an impairment or disability to function more effectively within society

What is the "Industrial Revolution"?

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the 18th century and was characterised by major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and transport.

What are the 7 reasons for the development of technology?

Acronym : BIGCORE

* Betterment of society (social betterment)

*Improvement on existing technology

* Global community emergence

* Competition with existing technology

* Other

* Response to social problems

* Economic benefit

Describe 'Social betterment' (as a reason for the development of technology)

Technology can be used to promote social change for the betterment or improvement of society as a whole

What are 3 examples of technologies that have been developed for the purpose of 'social betterment'?

* The invention of the motor vehicle

* The invention of communication technologies

* The invention of assistive technologies

Outline how 'improving upon existing technologies' is a reason for the development of technology?

New and improved technologies are created in order to provide more advanced, superior products to those already offered.

What are 2 examples of technologies that have been developed to 'improve upon existing technology'?

*The continuing development of the telephone

* The continuing development of television

Outline 'emergence of a global community' as a reason for the development of technology

Technology assists in creating an interactive global environment, in which communication is made possible between communities

Outline how 'competition with existing technology' is a reason for the development of technology

Technology is often developed as a means of competing for consumer demand with other organisations or products

What are 2 examples of technologies that have been developed as 'competition with existing technology'?

* Gaming consoles, eg Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation, Microsoft Xbox

* Contraceptive technologies

Under the heading of 'others' as reasons for the development of technology, outline 'Enhancement of athletic performance'?

Technology provides a means by which athletes can improve their performances in a bid to achieve their best. eg swim suits, skins, anabolic steroids etc

Outline how 'response to social problems' is a reason for the development of technology?

Technology is often developed in an attempt to prevent or respond to current or future social problems

What are 2 examples of technologies developed as a 'response to social problems'?

Water-saving devices

Anti-pollution technologies

Border security technologies, eg scanners

Health-related technologies - eg nicotine patches, sunscreen

Outline 'economic benefit' as a reason for the development of technology

The production of technology can result in economic gain for both the producers and the consumers of a product.

What are the 3 aspects of wellbeing that technology can have both positive and negative effects on?

Acronym: PET

* Practical wellbeing

* Emancipatory wellbeing

* Technical wellbeing

What is 'Practical Wellbeing'?

Our ability to understand and communicate in the world in which we live

What technologies can affect our practical wellbeing?

* Communication technologies

* Educational technologies

* Global technologies

What is 'emancipatory wellbeing'?

Our ability and freedom to participate effectively in a range of situations and contexts, such as education, employment, recreation and the wider community

What technologies can affect our emancipatory wellbeing?

*Education and employment-related technologies

* Lifestyle and recreation-related technologies

* Community-related technologies

What is 'technical wellbeing'?

Our ability to control our environment

What environments may be controlled through the use of technology (technical wellbeing)?

* Natural environment

* Physical environment

* Social environment

What are the 7 factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology?

Acronym: ECOCAGE

* Education

* Geographical

* Others

* Culture

* Age

* Gender

* Economic

Outline 'education' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

Education allows individuals to develop the knowledge and skills to access technology and provides opportunities to gain confidence in using it.

Outline 'geographical' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

Rural locations include those dominated by the agricultural industry. They tend to be a significant distance from major cities, which influences their access to resources

Outline 'others' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

There are many other factors that can affect an individual's access and acceptance of technology, including disability, previous experience and peer pressure.

Outline 'culture' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

Culture relates to the manner in which individuals live and interact together. It encompasses values, morals, beliefs and traditions within a particular community.

Outline 'age' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

Age can influence an individual's ability to access certain technologies and their willingness to accept new technologies. This can be due to experience or inexperience. Younger generations have the benefit of having grown up with recent technology.

Outline 'gender' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

Gender relates to the social expectations of males and females with regards to perceptions of masculinity and femininity. Gender affects an individual's ability to access and accept technology due to factors such as gender-related peer pressure, societal expectations, stereotypes and perceptions

Outline 'economic' as a 'factor affecting access to and acceptance of technology'?

A person's economic status is determined by the financial means or income of the family or the individual. It is also closely linked to levels of employment and education. If a person is of low socioeconomic status, this generally results in less money being available to access certain forms of technology.

Define 'lifestyle'

Lifestyle refers to the way in which we live our lives. Our lifestyle is made up of components such as family, friends, home, work, school, sleep, leisure, culture and community.

How do technologies impact on families?

*Reproductive technology

* Genetic engineering

* Household technologies

* Computer and communications technologies.

What is reproductive technology

Technology that provides a means of conceiving a child to people who are unable to conceive naturally.

What is genetic engineering

A process that involves modifying the DNA of living things in order to alter the characteristics of the organism

What are household technologies?

Technologies that include labour-saving devices that increase individuals' leisure time by saving time and energy in the completion of everyday tasks.

What are the key features of computer and communication technologies?

Advancements are continually being made and efficiency dramatically increased. Computers are now able to store, process and transmit far more data than ever before, and the size of such technologies, such as mobile phones is rapidly decreasing. Personal face-to-face communication is declining.

How does technology impact on communities?

* Building technologies

* Communications

* Consumer services

* Entertainment

* Finance

* Food

* Health and medicine

* Knowledge

* Leisure

* Transport / travel

What are building technologies?

Technologies that include inventions that are used to ensure the sustainability of resources, to ensure safety of construction and to provide comfort within the built environment.

What are communications technologies?

Technologies that include mobile phones, social networking sites and other inventions that allow social interaction to occur within the community.

What are consumer services?

Services that provide fast and efficient processes for customers through the use of innovative technologies such as online shopping, self-service checkouts and electronic banking.

What are entertainment technologies?

Technologies that are developed with the aim of amusing individuals and communities through engagement in gaming, sport, internet content or television programs.

What are finance technologies?

Technologies that include inventions such as credit cards, internet banking and online loan approvals. These technologies are developed to promote more efficient and less time-consuming management of resources.

How have technologies affected food.

Food technologies have allowed for the development of convenient options, organic alternatives, long-life products and greater variety.

What are health and medicine technologies?

These technologies have been developed with the aim of improving the health of all people. They include assistive technologies, curative processes and treatments, emancipatory technologies and preventative treatments.

How do technologies impact on 'knowledge'?

Technologies have been developed that assist in the education of young people, and provide knowledge of a diverse range of issues through media such as the internet.

What are leisure technologies?

Technologies that include equipment, facilities, games and devices that allow for people to engage safely and happily in recreational activities.

What are transport/travel technologies?

Technologies in the field of transport and travel which have resulted in increased travel opportunities, improved access to different areas and greater safety.

How have technologies effected work

* Job definition

* Structure of the workplace

* Efficiency

* Employment and unemployment

* Training and education

* Introduction of technology into the workplace

What does 'job definition' refer to?

The skills, experience and expectations associated with performing a particular job or occupation.

What does 'structure of the workplace' refer to ?

The organisation or arrangement of a business, company or other organisation. This includes employment patterns and work locations, such as working from home or via the internet.

What does 'job satisfaction' refer to?

The feeling of fulfilment that a person encounters due to accomplishments in the workplace.

What does 'efficiency' refer to?

This term describes the use of time to complete an intended task. Efficiency in completion of tasks is dependent on factors such as cooperation, availability of resources, and employee skills and experience. As technology is continually being upgraded, it is also becoming more efficient.

How has technology affected employment and unemployment?

Automated processes, increase in the average working hours due to more accessibility, higher expectations on workers, choices in career pathways, flexible work hours, upskilling of employees, decreased demand for human labour in many fields, redefining of work.

What does 'training and education' refer to?

The provision of the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to complete tasks safely, efficiently and successfully.

What effect has the 'introduction of technology into the workplace' had?

It has influenced the definition of work, the structure of the workplace, job satisfaction, efficiency in the workplace, employment and unemployment rates and the significance of education and training.

What are the 'issues related to technological development'?

* Ethical, eg human reproduction

* Equity, eg access to information

* Censorship

* Electronic media

* Privacy

* Computer crime

What does 'ethical issues' refer to?

Those issues that challenge our values regarding what is right and wrong. They relate to the moral guidelines or laws by which we live our lives. Ethical issues arise when new technologies are introduced that are unfamiliar, unexpected or not within the moral guidelines that society already has in place.

What does 'equity' refer to?

It refers to fairness and equality in terms of both access to and use of resources, including technology. Technological developments raise issues of equity with regard to how people use technology, who accesses it and how it affects people's lives.

What is 'censorship'?

It is the exclusion of material that might be offensive or harmful to certain people. Technologies associated with entertainment may contain material that is unsuitable for certain users.

What is 'electronic media'?

It includes television, radio, the internet and mobile telephones. Through these media we have the ability to communicate information - both positive and negative - to vast populations.

How does technology affect 'privacy'?

Information technology allows sensitive information to be stored, and in some cases provides access to that information to people who are not authorised to it. Also enables security monitoring devices, such as hidden cameras.

What is 'computer crime'?

Also known as cybercrime or e-crime, it refers to any illegal or unauthorised entry into a computer program that may result in the stealing of information or money.

Specific groups within the community

- People with disabilities

- Youth

- GLBTI

- Homeless people

People with Disabilities

The Unite Nations Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities states that persons with a disability include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various berries may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Individual diversity within the group of people with disabilities

People with disabilities can come from any race, gender, educational or socioeconomic group. They may suffer from one or multiple disabilities .

Some may be born with a disability while others may acquire one, perhaps as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Disabilities can be temporary or permanent, and can range from mild to severe.

The concept of diversity means understanding that each person is unique and recognising individual differences. The acknowledge humanitarian rights, we must move beyond simple tolerance to embrace and celebrate diversity and address and explore diverse needs. All people, regardless of disability, deserve this equality.

Terminology used by the community to describe people with disabilites

Positive:

Person with a disability, person with a hearing impairment, person with a visual impairment, person with Down syndrome, person with a mental illness.

Negative:

Retard, spastic, psycho, invalid, deaf, special, disabled person, crippled, blind

The impact of using positive terminology is meaningful as people feel supported, accepted and a sense of self worth. On the other hand, negative terminology can be extremely detrimental to the wellbeing of people with a disability.

Youth

The United Nations General Assembly defines youth as people aged between 15-24.

Prevalence of the youth within Australia

- Today, the youth account for 20% of Australia's total population. This equates to over 4.2 million people

- This was 18.6% of the population (McCrindle Research, 2013)

- 51.3% are males and 48.7% are females

- Due to lower birth rates and a decline in fertility the youth population is predicted to decrease from 19.4% in 2008 to under 18% in 2020 (McCrindle Research, 2013)

Individual diversity within the group of the Youth

Individual diversity within the youth varies considerably. According to The United Nations General Assembly defines youth as people aged between 15-24. Many individuals within this group are still attending high school or university, undertaking other training or beginning a carer through an entry level job. Adolescence also differ in that they develop at different rates. Therefore, the maturity of youth differs.

Terminology used by the community to describe the Youth

Positive:

'Adolescence' is the most common term to describe youth. Teen, teenager, young person, fun, carefree, future generation.

Negative:

Bludgers, nuisance, trouble makers, rebellious, geek, lad, grommet, emo, goth, risk-taker

Homeless people

The homeless are a group of people who all have inadequate access to safe and secure housing.

Prevalence within the community

Data collected on the 2011 Census night indicated that 105,000 people were homeless across Australia (an increase of 8% from the previous Census in 2006)

- This is approximately 1 in every 200 people within Australia are homeless on any given night

- Over 60% of homeless people are aged under 35

- Between 60-70% of homeless people had been homeless for 6 months or longer.

- More than half of those seeking accommodation from homelessness services are turned away.

- A higher number of males are homeless (56%)

- Females who were homeless reported a higher incidence of domestic or family violence.

- 56% of males are homeless compared to 44% of females.

Individual diversity within the homless

Homeless people come from all walks of life. They vary in many ways, including age, culture background, socioeconomic level and health status.

People may experience homelessness as an individual or a family. The only thing shared by all homeless people is their vulnerability Homeless people also face a multitude of difficulties that make them different from other groups of people in the community.

Terminology used by the community to describe the homeless

Positive:

Homeless, primary homelessness, secondary homelessness, tertiary homelessness

Negative:

Failures, bums, lazy, uneducated, scary, drunks, smelly.

People with Disabilities - Satisfaction of needs

- Adequate Standard of living

- Adequate standard of living is our most basic of needs for survival, including food, clothing and shelter.

The socioeconomic status of a person with a disability may be affected due to lower workforce participation.

Some types of disabilities affect food choices, for e.g., some people may require specially processed food if they cannot digest or swallow properly.

Housing needs to be affordable and close to services. Sometimes modifications may need to be made to the home, e.g. installing a ramp, wider doorways for wheelchair access.

Education

- Education is acquiring knowledge and skills.

If it is not prioritised, economic status and an individual's overall development may not be optimal.

Education also plays an crucial social role, in that it assists people to meet others and develop relationships.

Education is the primary path through which any individual is able to go onto gain employment which is particularly vital for individuals living with a disability as their job range may already be limited by their handicap.

Health

- How stable we are physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and financially.

A person newly diagnosed with motor neurone disease may still be able to work and walk, but, as the disease progresses, both of these abilities may diminish.

Other people with disabilities may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression.

Despite the various health problems people with disabilities have, they can still be, aside from their disability, physically and/or mentally healthy, which can prolong their life if it has been shortened by their handicap.

Safety and Security

- Safety and security refers to our sense of feeling protected and safe.

People with disabilities may be vulnerable because of their disability.

They may be abused by insensitive and ignorant members of the community, or exploited financially or harmed physically by relatives or nursing home staff.

They may be lonely and have fewer opportunities to interact socially with friends and neighbours.

Employment

- Employment refers to our attainment of paid work so we can support ourselves and possibly other people.

People with a disability will find it difficulty to secure permanent work due to the nature of their disability.

Specific employment structures run by supported groups, such as House with no steps.

Sense of identity

- Sense of identity refers to understanding ourselves as individuals, including what we believe in and what is important.

A person who has become disabled as an adult may experience great difficulties in establishing a renewed sense of identity.

All individuals, including those both with and without a disability, need a sense of themselves on some level, though this is perhaps not as significant for those without and may even find it difficulty to distinguish themselves as an individual of their own.

Youth - Satisfaction of needs

- Adequate Standard of Living

Adolescence are active and require nutritious food.

For most school-aged young people, housing needs are met by their parents (although the number of homeless youth is increasing).

Some students live in boarding schools or residential colleges during the school or university term and return to the family home during the holidays.

Youth - Educationn

Education is valuable as it increases opportunities for employment and improves one's standard of living.

Additionally, experiences in education greatly contribute to a person's self-esteem and sense of identity.

Young people who wish to advance their studies and education level have a variety of options in relation to post-school and tertiary education.

Under the Education Act 1990, enforcement of compulsory school attendance is specified.

Youth - Health

This age group generally has good health in comparison to other groups.

Serious health problems for this age group can include eating disorders and mental health issues.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health problems.

Youth - Safety and security

It is vital that adolescence feel safe and secure in their environment.

If they do not feel supported, they might make poor decisions that are irreversible.

Security and safety needs may be physical, emotional or financial.

Youth - Employment

Many young people are not yet working because they are still involved in education and training.

In today's society , it is common for young people to participate in part-time or causal employment while completing their secondary or tertiary studies.

Youth - Sense of identity

Sense of identity is important as a young person transitions between childhood person adolescence.

A young person's sense of identity is affected by a variety of factors, such as their involvement in school activities, their academic and sporting ability and whether they have a job.

Youth need to feel that they have a purpose and direction and also need to feel valued by their peers and family.

Homeless people - Satisfaction of needs

- Adequate standard of living

One of the main aspects of homelessness is that the individual is lacking home in which they are adequately cared for, which would include physiological needs such as food and clothing. This is what is provided when homeless people access services such as emergency refuges. This is therefore, the first need to be met in order to assist someone who is homeless.

Homeless people - Educationn

Education to those within the homeless cycle is important as it is the pathway to breaking the cycle, to gain employment and afford to provide themselves with an adequate standard of living, safety and security and ensure their health.

Homeless people - Health

Health in general is important need to meet, and is often difficult for the homeless as they may be in unsanitary lodging, such as on the streets or squatting in an old building, which leads to illnesses and disease. The conditions in which is just as important to an individual.

Homeless people - Safety and security

A lack of safety in security is another main aspect involved in homeless people's lives, given the accepted definition of homelessness is that there is no safe lodging in which the individual can stay.

This is a fundamental need that must be met in order to achieve any kind of contendness or comfort in life as the individual wot be on edge so much.

Homeless people - Emplyoment

Employment, as mentioned, is a path to escaping the homeless cycle and being able to fulfil all of their needs and set up a better future for their children or other family members.

This is also a means to provide themselves with a sense of identity, which would be rather significant to the homeless.

Homeless people - Sense of identity

A sense of identity is one of the most effective ways to ensure good emotional health and wellbeing, which will in turn benefit all areas of wellbeing.

Types of services - People with a disability

Financial support services

Disability support pensions are provided to those who are prevented from working because of a disability. A sickness allowance is available for short-termed disability.

A mobility allowance assists with transport costs for those who cannot use public transport without substantial assistance.

Child Disability Assistance Payments and Youth Disability Supplements are available for young people with disabilities.

Access to financial support services is closely aligned with education, as individuals must be made aware of such schemes before they can access them.

People with a disability - Transport

Equitable access to facility and the ability to travel ground a community underpins all aspects of life for people with a disability on public transport, accessibility standards have been enforced. There are designated seats for persons with a disability, and ramps and boarding devices. For private vehicles, there are designated disabled parking spaces that allow for wheelchair access.

Mobility allowances, specialised disability taxis and community transport are also available. While people with disability possibly travel less frequently than others in the community, it is essential to their wellbeing that they can travel in a safe manner.