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Explore the reasons behind inequality in access to technology, including factors such as development level, patents, religion, cost, and politics. Understand the geographical distribution of technology use and its implications for those lacking access. Discuss the concept of technological fix and its potential to address global challenges.
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Technological Fix1. Why is there inequality in access to technology ? a) What is technology and how is developed? • b) Global distribution of a range of technologies in relation to level of development • c) Implications for those who lack access to basic technology • d) patterns of access using factors such as patents, religion, cost, politics. • Learning Objectives: • Understand what is meant by technology and how it has developed and spread • Be aware of the geographical distribution of technology use at a range of scales
What is Technology? “defined as the ability to control nature” technology is pervasive, as is dependency on modern technology Why is technology becoming a fascination for places like Japan?
Synoptic Link – Technological Fix in A-level Geography • Using the table provided identify any technological fix identified in each of the units or AS course Example – Hazards – Tsunami warning systems
Development of Technology • Key Ideas: • New and better technologies replace, older obsolete ones • The speed of growth has increased • Life cycles have become shorter • e.g. 78s LPs Cassette tapes CDs MP3 ? Decline Maturity Growth Introduction Product Sales Original product New product Newer product Time
Technology and Economic Development • Countries with the best access to knowledge are best placed to gain wealth • Affluent countries invest more in education • Majority of R&D is in Western Europe, North America and Japan – recieve high income from royalties and license fees
Geographical Distribution of Technology – Access to electricity The percentage of people with access to electricity in their own homes is over 97% in Eastern Asia, Eastern Europe, North America, Western Europe and Japan. 7 of the 10 territories with the lowest access to electricity are in South- eastern Africa. Patterns? Anomalies?
Digital Access Index Using this map, explain how ICT can be said to be pervasive (can spread throughout all parts) • Includes data on: • Telephone landlines • Mobile phone subscribers • Cost of internet access • Adult literacy • School enrolment • Internet bandwidth available • Internet and broadband subscribers
Technological Fix • Expectation of people that continuing technological developments will help the world tackle new problems as they arise • Brainstorm issues that the world/countries are facing – how are they being fixed? E.g. Frost affecting farming = greenhouses
Why is an attitudinal fix needed? • This involves changing human behaviour Examples • HIV/AIDS = public health education to prevent the spread of the disease • Oil shortages = energy efficiency, public transport
Plenary • Technological Fix can solve any problem the earth may face.... How far do you agree with this statement and why?