TECHNOLOGY
Define:-
Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for improving the way to
do things. One would use scientific knowledge to invent machines or
devices to make things easier to do.
Throughout
the twentieth century the uses of the term have increased to the point
where it now encompasses a number of “classes” of technology:-
1. Technology as Objects:
Tools, machines, instruments, weapons, appliances - the physical devices of technical performance
2. Technology as Knowledge:
The know-how behind technological innovation
3. Technology as Activities:
What people do - their skills, methods, procedures, routines
4. Technology as a Process:
Begins with a need and ends with a solution
5. Technology as a Sociotechnical System:
The manufacture and use of objects involving people and other objects in combination
The Nature of Technology
Technology has a number of distinct characteristics:-
1. It is Related to Science
Although
there is certainly a relationship between science and technology, there
is, except in certain high technology industries, very little
technology that could be classified as applied science. Technology is
marked by different purposes, different processes a different
relationship to established knowledge and a particular relationship to
specific contexts of activity. Change in the material environment is the
explicit purpose of technology, and not, as is the case with science,
the understanding of nature; accordingly its solutions are not right or
wrong, verifiable or falsifiable, but more or less effective from
different points of view.
2. It Involves Design
At
the centre of technology lies design. That “design is the very core of
engineering” is affirmed by the requirement that all degree engineering
courses should embody it. The design process in technology is a
sequential process which begins with the perception of a need, continues
with the formulation of a specification, the generation of ideas and a
final solution, and ends with an evaluation of the solution.
3. It Involves Making
The
motivating factor behind all technological activity is the desire to
fulfil a need. For this reason all designs should be made or realised -
whether that be through prototype, batch- or mass- production or some
form of three-dimensional or computer model - if the need is to be truly
fulfilled, the design is to be legitimately evaluated, and the design
activity is to have been purposeful and worthwhile.
4. It is Multi-Dimensional
Not
only may design and production involve co-operation between different
specialisms (between, for example, designer, production engineer and
materials scientist), but may involve “technologists” in performing a
multitude of functions, such as working with others, operating within
budgets, persuading decision makers, communicating to clients and
working to deadlines.
5. It Is Concerned With Values
Technology
is informed by values at every point. Value decisions may be called for
not only in relation to the specific design criteria (i.e. aesthetic,
ergonomic and economic judgement, suitability for purpose and ease of
manufacture) but also in relation to the rightness or wrongness of a
particular solution in ethical terms.
6. It is Socially Shaped/Shaping
Technological
enterprises are determined not by advances in knowledge nor simply by
the identification of needs, but by social interests. Of the potential
new technologies available at any one time only a few are developed and
become widely implemented. In this way technology is shaped by society,
by consumer choice. yet it could also be argued that technology shapes
society - the technology of the motor car, for example, has shaped our
environment and our whole way of life.
SHALINI
CSE14B
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SOFT SKILLS
Soft
skills revolve around personal relationships, character, and attitude.
By developing these skills, you can increase your work performance,
build stronger relationships, and work toward earning a promotion. If
you are finding that some of these soft skills do not come naturally to
you, you need to learn how to improve soft skills so they'll become a
natural reflex for you in dealing with people every day.
1.Develop communication skills.
Your goal should be to communicate clearly through written, oral, and
nonverbal communication. Start simply by being aware of how others feel
when they are around you or are talking with you.
- Make eye contact.
- Monitor your body language.
- Practice speaking.
- Develop your writing skills.
2.Practice active listening skills.
Listening requires focus and self-discipline. We listen for many
different reasons: to understand instructions, to empathize with another
individual, or to judge whether a plan is good or not. Regardless of
the reason you are listening, there are several things to keep in mind.
- Paraphrase and ask questions to learn more about what someone is telling you.
- Take notes when appropriate.
- Do not interrupt other people.
- Pay attention to the other person's body language.
3.Build relationships.
Interpersonal skills are important in the workplace, especially since
so many organizations are designed around teams and departments. Seek to
build friendships with peers, supervisors, clients, and business
partners.
- Befriend colleagues.
- Learn to manage conflict in a healthy way.
- Network with people inside and outside your organization.
4.Practice leading.
Leadership is simply influencing other people. As such, leadership
skills can be used by any employee at any level in the organization.
- Observe your own supervisor and note how that individual leads your team.
- Practice
leading in small group discussions by asking your teammates questions
and bringing quieter members into the conversation.
- Set the example for others by displaying a positive attitude in difficult situations.
5.Take initiative.
Demonstrate responsibility and enthusiasm for your job by striving to
go the extra mile. This starts by finishing work without constant
reminders from your supervisor.
- Do tasks without being asked by someone else.
- Seek more challenging work.
- Strive to develop your technical skills.
SHALINI
CSE14B
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UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Know what communication really is:- Communication is the process of transferring messages between a sender and a receiver through various methods
- Have courage to say what you think:-Be
confident in knowing that you can make worthwhile contributions to
conversation. Take time each day to be aware of your opinions and
feelings so you can adequately convey them to others. Individuals who
are hesitant to speak because they do not feel their input would be
worthwhile need not fear. What is important or worthwhile to one person
may not be to another and may be more so to someone else.
- Practice:-
Developing advanced communication skills begins with simple
interactions. Communication skills can be practiced every day in
settings that range from the social to the professional. New skills take
time to refine, but each time you use your communication skills, you
open yourself to opportunities and future partnerships.
ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE
- Make eye contact:-
Whether you are speaking or listening, looking into the eyes of the
person with whom you are conversing can make the interaction more
successful. Eye contact conveys interest and encourages your partner to
be interested in you in return.
- Use gestures:-
These include gestures with your hands and face. Make your whole body
talk. Use smaller gestures for individuals and small groups. The
gestures should get larger as the group that one is addressing increases
in size.
- Don’t send mixed messages:- Make
your words, gestures, facial expressions and tone match. Disciplining
someone while smiling sends a mixed message and is therefore
ineffective. If you have to deliver a negative message, make your words,
facial expressions, and tone match the message.
- Be aware of what your body is saying:-
Body language can say so much more than a mouthful of words. An open
stance with arms relaxed at your sides tells anyone around you that you
are approachable and open to hearing what they have to say. Arms crossed
and shoulders hunched, on the other hand, suggest disinterest in
conversation or unwillingness to communicate. Often, communication can
be stopped before it starts by body language that tells people you don't
want to talk. Appropriate posture and an approachable stance can make
even difficult conversations flow more smoothly.
- Manifest constructive attitudes and beliefs:- The
attitudes you bring to communication will have a huge impact on the way
you compose yourself and interact with others. Choose to be honest,
patient, optimistic, sincere, respectful, and accepting of others. Be
sensitive to other people's feelings, and believe in others' competence.
- Develop effective listening skills:-
Not only should one be able to speak effectively, one must listen to
the other person's words and engage in communication on what the other
person is speaking about. Avoid the impulse to listen only for the end
of their sentence so that you can blurt out the ideas or memories your
mind while the other person is speaking.
USE YOUR WORDS
- Enunciate your words:- Speak
clearly and don’t mumble. If people are always asking you to repeat
yourself, try to do a better job of articulating yourself in a better
manner.
- Pronounce your words correctly:- People will judge your competency through your vocabulary. If you aren’t sure of how to say a word, don’t use it.
- Use the right words:-If
you’re not sure of the meaning of a word, don’t use it. Grab a
dictionary and start a daily habit of learning one new word per day. Use
it sometime in your conversations during the day.
- Slow your speech down:-
People will perceive you as nervous and unsure of yourself if you talk
fast. However, be careful not to slow down to the point where people
begin to finish your sentences just to help you finish.
USE YOUR VOICE
- Develop your voice: – A
high or whiny voice is not perceived to be one of authority. In fact, a
high and soft voice can make you sound like prey to an aggressive
co-worker or make others not take you seriously. Begin doing exercises
to lower the pitch of your voice. Try singing, but do it an octave lower
on all your favorite songs. Practice this and, after a period of time,
your voice will begin to lower.
- Animate your voice:-
Avoid a monotone and use dynamics. Your pitch should raise and lower
periodically. Radio DJ's are usually a good example of this.
- Use appropriate volume:- Use
a volume that is appropriate for the setting. Speak more softly when
you are alone and close. Speak louder when you are speaking to larger
groups or across larger spaces.
SHALINI
CSE14B
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