Technology-related Constructs

							                              Technology-related Constructs


Assignment:
During the next week look for examples where technology constructs have been implemented
in your normal surroundings. Identify at least two examples of each technology construct,
identify the primary need you think the technology was designed to address, and tell why you
think your examples reflect the specific constructs you have selected. Save your work in a
Word file and submit it to the tech tools folder on file box. The file should be labeled
activity1.doc.

One of the examples I would like chose is the use of an electric toothbrush. The other
example will be free-time/play-time session in a childcare setting.

Electrical Toothbrush
The primary need to design such a technology is to provide whiter teeth, healthier gums,
plaque removal, fresher breath and better check-ups.

When we relate it to the concept of "Action" we find that an electrical toothbrush
communicates additional care for one's teeth and controls the amount of teeth infections
one will be exposed when using a non-electrical toothbrush instead. The process of using an
electrical toothbrush does not require any manual handling by moving it back and forth or up
and down, instead a button is pressed and the tip of the toothbrush puts pressure on the teeth
and cleans the teeth. The electrical toothbrush was a modification of the traditional
toothbrush to by adding more features to it thus achieve more tangible results.

The "Context" of an electrical toothbrush is that it is designed in various forms with hard or
soft bristles thus catering to the needs of all individuals. The time taken when using the
electrical toothbrush is less than when using a traditional toothbrush since the force exerted
on the teeth makes cleaning faster.

When we relate it to the concept of "Derivative" we find that the electrical toothbrush does not
need to be recharged at all times since it stores electric charge to continue to function.

By using the electrical toothbrush one's sensory perceptions specifically the sound and
touch are the most effected when using the toothbrush. In this situation the "Interface"
concept applies to this technology.

Free time/Playtime
Free time or playtime is a technology used to give the children the opportunity to do whatever
they wish without the teacher's direction as well as to acquire social skills.

When we relate playtime to the concept of "Action" we find that playtime communicates to
the children that they will get time to interact freely with the other children away from class.
Free time controls the child's social norms, communication skills and choice of activity or
interest. How? This time slot is where children learn to share toys and play equipment and
this will help them to learn to exchange or give opportunities to other children to play with the
same thing. Communication skills are also developed because they tend to talk to each other
to explain their needs, so it develops their vocabulary and sentence structure as well as it will
give them the opportunity to be independent and choose a game or toy that catches their
interest like pretend play, building blocks etc which helps them develop their skills in a certain
area. Playtime also detects that the children are not constrained to one area or an activity at
all times.

The "Context" of playtime is to offer a different space location for the children to run and exert
out energy by running, jumping, etc. Playtime periods should not be less than 20 minutes per
4 hours.

In the "Interface" criteria sight, sound, smell and touch are all sensory perceptions the child
will feel during playtime.