LAPU-LAPU CITY COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Don B. Benedicto Road,
Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu 6015

GE 12-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND

SOCIETY
Module for Students

First Quarter

Weeks 1-5

Prepared by:

DIANA F. ALEGRADO, LPT

Course Instructor

Science, Technology and Society 1 | 17

Module Overview
This module introduces the interactions between science and technology and social, cultural,
political and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them.
This interdisciplinary course engages the students to confront the realities brought about by
science and technology in society through the application of teaching strategies that develop
critical and creative thinking, and/or other higher-order thinking skills. Such realities pervade
the personal, the public, and the global aspects of our living and are integral to human
development. This course seeks to instill reflective knowledge in the students that they are able
to live good life and display ethical decision making in the face of scientific and technological
advancement. The course also includes mandatory topics on climate change and
environmental awareness.
Chapter 1.

Lesson 1- Historical Antecedents which changed the course of science and

technology
A. In the World: Ancient, Middle, and the Modern Ages
B. In the Philippines

Lesson 2 - Science and Technology and Nation Building

A. Importance of Science and Technology to Society

B. Impact on Technology on Society
C. S & T and its Role in Nation Building
D. The Roles of Science and Technology in the Developing world in 21 st Century

How to learn from this module

To aid in your learning of those lessons aforementioned, this module contains lessons within
a chapter. Each lesson must be accomplished weekly and is further divided into parts, as follows:

1. Learning Compass
This portion orients you with the learning outcomes for the learning unit.
2. Let’s Begin!
After the identification of learning outcomes and overview for every lesson, you will be
given a task that leads you to the key concepts to be discussed in that unit.
3. Let’s Learn
This serves as the discussion of the concepts of each lesson.
4. Take Note!
This provides the summary of the important concepts of the lesson.
5. How Far Have We Gone?
To check whether the given learning outcomes are met, you are given another task to
assess the extent of understanding.
6. Walk the Extra Mile!
Every unit is ended with suggested activities for the enrichment of learning and further
application of what has been learned.

This module also includes a Chapter Reflection at the end of every chapter to jot down your
thoughts by answering self-introspective questions. Rubrics are also found in this module’s
Appendices for your reference in making your outputs. Just follow the notes below each exercise
and activity for guidance. Lastly, a Course Feedback is provided at the end of this module for you to
share your evaluative feedback of this module. This part will be our basis for improvement for future
revision.

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 Welcome to this learning adventure!

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL CONCEPTS AND HISTORICAL

DEVELOPMENTS

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants!” – Sir Isaac Newton

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LESSON 1

Historical Antecedents which Changed the Course of Science and

Technology
A. In the World: Ancient, Middle, and the Modern Ages
B. In the Philippines

Learning Compass
At the end of the lesson, the pre-service teacher can:
 Trace the historical developments in Science and Technology

Let’s Begin!
…are you ready to share your knowledge? Here we go…

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants!” – Sir Isaac Newton

What do you think, Newton has seen?

Who do you think Newton refers to as “giants”?

What do you think this quote tells you about Newton’s character?

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 Let’s Discuss (Weeks 1-2)
Historical Antecedents which Changed the Course of Science and Technology

Introduction
It is a well-established fact that science and technology impacts all aspects of our lives.
Science and Technology is associated in all means with modernity and is considered as an
essential for rapid development. The state of science and technology determines the socio-
economic progress of a country. A country who is not able to implement science and technology
would not progress and reap the benefits of development.

A. History of Science and Technology in the World: Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages

Science and Technology has been around from the beginning of time. It evolves from
the everyday efforts of the people trying to improve their way of living. Throughout history,
humankind and utilized tools, machines, and techniques without understanding how or why
they worked or comprehending their physical or chemical composition.

Science and Technology can be traced from the origin of human life 2 million years ago
and each era has significant advancement. The earliest form of science and technology were
human artifacts found during the prehistoric time about 2.3 million years ago. They were
roughly shaped stones used for chopping and scraping, found primarily in Eastern Africa.
Some of the earliest record of science came from Mesopotamia cultures around 400 B.C.,
disease symptoms, chemical substances and astronomical observations were some of the
evidence of emerging science.

During the same period in the Nile Valley of Egypt, information on the treatment of
wounds and diseases and even some of the mathematical calculations such as angles,
rectangles, and triangles and the volume of the portion of a pyramid have been around for
thousands of years. From 300 to 400 B.C. there was a rise in the number of philosophers
who wrote topics on psychology, biology, and a lot of other topics. There was Euclid, the
founder of modern geometry, Archimedes, the founder of engineering mechanics and
calculated a value for pi which is still used to this very day.

3000 B.C. gave rise to the Bronze Age in the search for finding pigments used to color
the human skin, copper was discovered, and then it was realized that alloying a copper with
tin resulted into bronze which in those days were used to make swords and other weapons.
Today, we use it to build machinery, medals, statues, belts and shoe buckles.

By 3500 B.C. in Mesopotamia, two-wheeled carts had been created and it became the
most frequently used mode of transporting heavy goods from one place to another.

Urbanization is the development of large city, and the first city popped around 3000 B.C.
In Egypt during this same time, the first pyramid was built. Pyramids are undoubtedly the
most outstanding development in science and technology and are still a marvel up to the
present.

During the Middle Ages (450-1450 A.D.) gave birth to many scientific and technological
development. Also during the Middle Ages (often called Dark Ages), warfare had improved
tremendously.

The Renaissance Era in Europe that began in 1450 and lasted until 1600 A.D. was the
period known as rebirth of knowledge. In Germany, Gutenberg developed the printing press
which resulted in books being printed instead of huge volume of texts being handwritten. In
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 Italy, Leonardo da Vinci, a great pioneer in Arts, architecture, engineering and science,
stressed the importance of experiment. He produced a vast series of notebooks with
observations on anatomy, cloud formations, plans for sites, military inventions, tanks, flying
machines and submarines.

Copernicus rediscovered what some of the ancient Greeks has known that the sun was
at the center of the solar system and that the earth revolves around it. The era also gave
way to geographic discovery beginning with the invention of the triangle sail and the
magnetic compass. This aided Prince Henry, the navigator, to travel around South Africa,
Portugal, to reach India. It was around the same time Columbus discovered the Americas.

Modern Science and Technology around 1600 A.D.

Galileo was the first to use modern scientific methods based on experiment and testable
observations. In 1608, some spectacle maker came to the Republic of Venice where Galileo
was staying with their new invention, a spyglass for identifying ships well before they enter
a harbor. Galileo heard about it and promptly set about figuring how it worked. He not only
succeeded in constructing his own spyglass, but went on to build a second one with the
magnification stepped up by eight, and finally thirty times which is known as the telescope.
He was able to discover craters and mountains on the moon. He later invented the
microscope and the thermometer.

Isaac Newton was born in 1642. He helped define the laws of gravity and planetary
motion, co-founded calculus, and explained the laws of light and color.

Albert Einstein became the most famous scientist of the 20 th century. His work had
profound impact on everything from quantum theory to nuclear power and the atom bomb,
and came up also with the famous equation e=mc 2 used in calculus.

In terms of modern technology, the Industrial Revolution brought about the beginning
of factories being built to produce goods at massive quantity.

In the late 1800, the light bulb began to replace candles and oil lamps.

The 20th century gave birth to the radio, the first car to run with engine power. The first
man went to space in a rocket. It was also the beginning of communication, electronic and
computer era.

B. Science and Technology in the Philippines: A Historical Perspective

Philippine science and technology has a long history. It started before Spain colonized
the
country where some indigenous technology already existed with regards to wet rice and dry rice
agriculture. The use of technology was also evident in the handicrafts, pottery, weaving, metal
ware and boats used by ancient Filipinos. The natives were already aware of the medicinal and
therapeutic properties of plants and the methods of extracting medicine from herbs. They had
an alphabet, a system of writing, a method of counting, weights and measure. They had no
calendar but counted the years by the period of the moon and from one harvest to another.
Filipinos were already engaged in farming, shipbuilding, mining and weaving. The Banaue Rice
Terraces is a sophisticated product of engineering by pre-Spanish Filipinos.

Spanish Colonial Period

The colonization of the Philippines contributed to the growth of science and technology
in the archipelago. The Spaniards introduced formal education and founded scientific
institutions. During the early years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, Parish Schools were
established where religion, reading, writing, arithmetic and music was taught. Sanitation and
more advanced methods of agriculture were taught to the natives. Later the Spaniards
established colleges and universities on the archipelago including University of Santo Tomas.

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 The study of medicine in the Philippines was given priority. In 1871, the school of
medicine and pharmacy was opened at the University of Santo Tomas. It also contributed to the
field of engineering in the islands by constructing government buildings, churches, roads,
bridges and forts.

The Jesuit promoted meteorological studies and founded then Manila Observatory ay
the Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1865.

American Period and Post Commonwealth Era

The progress of science and technology continued under American rule. On July 1, 1901,
the Philippine Commission established the Bureau of Government Laboratories which was
placed under the Department of Interior. The Bureau replaced the Laboratorio Municipal which
was established during the Spanish era. On October 26, 1905, the Bureau of Government
Laboratories was replaced by the Bureau of Science. The Bureau dealt with the study of tropical
diseases. With the progress of science and technology, on December 8, 1933, the National
Research Council of the Philippines was recognized. The Bureau of Science became the primary
research center of the Philippines until World War II.

Science during the American period was inclined towards agriculture, food processing,
forestry, medicine, and pharmacy. Not much focus was given on the development of industrial
technology due to free trade policy with the United States which nurtured an economy geared
towards agriculture and trade.

In 1946, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science. In 1958, during
the regime of President Carlos P, Garcia, the Philippine Congress passed the Science Act of 1958
which established the National Science Development Board.

Marcos Era and Martial Law

Science was given importance during the Marcos Regime. In the amended 1973
Philippine Constitution, Article XV, Section 9(1), he declared that the “advancement of science
and technology shall have priority in national development”. In his two terms of presidency and
during Martial Law, many laws were enacted promoting science and technology.

On January 23, 1967, he declared that science was necessary for the development
programs, and thus, directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science courses in
public high schools. DepEd and the National Science Development Board (NSDB) organized a
project to provide selected high schools with science teaching equipment over a four-year
period.

In 1968 technology was recognized as the leading factor in economic development and
thus additional funds were channeled to support projects in applied sciences and science
education. A big part of the war damage funds was allocated to fund private universities and
encourage them to pursue programs in science, technology and research. Seminars were also
conducted for public and private high school and college science teachers. Training programs
and scholarship were awarded to graduate and undergraduate science scholars.

The National Science Development Board established the Philippine Atomic Energy
Commission to explore the uses of atomic energy for economic development. Marcos assisted
107 institutions in undertaking nuclear energy work by sending scientists, engineers, doctors
and technicians to study nuclear science and technology abroad.

Major development projects to reform education were done and which included
research and development, establishment of technical institutes, science education centers, and
agricultural colleges and vocational high schools. The Philippine Council for Agricultural Research
was also established to support the progressive development of agriculture, forestry, and
fisheries for the country. The Council was attached to the Department of Agriculture and Natural
Resources for administrative purposes.

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 Another agency was established by Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 and this is the
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) under the
Department of National Defense. Its function was to provide environmental protection and to
utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the people.

The Philippine National Oil Company was also created to promote industrial and
economic development through effective and efficient use of energy sources (P.D. 334, s. 1973).

In 1976, the National Academy of Science and Technology was established and was
composed of scientists with “innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences” to serve
as a reservoir of scientific and technological expertise for the country.

In 1979, the government funded scientific research conducted by National Science

Development Board (NSDB), the Philippine Council for Agricultural Research and Resources, the
Plant Breeding Institute, and the International Rice Research Institute, the Bureau of Plant
Industry, and the Bureau of Forest Products.

The National Committee on Geological Sciences was created in 1980 to advise

government and private entities on matters pertaining to geological sciences (Executive Order
No. 625, s. 1980).

By virtue of Executive Order No. 784, s. 1982, the National Science Development Board
and its support agencies was reorganized and was named National Science and Technology
Authority (NSTA) to provide central direction and coordination of scientific and technological
research and development.

The Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science High School were
established in 1986 to encourage careers in science and technology and to be more accessible to
the talented talents in the Mindanao and Visayas areas in accordance with Executive Order No.
1090, s. 19886.

Fifth Republic
During Corazon Aquino’s presidency, the National Science and Technology Authority
was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology, giving the department a
representation in the cabinet. Under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for the
years 1987-1992, science and technology’s role in economic recovery and sustained economic
growth was highlighted. Science and technology was one of the three priorities of the
government towards an economic recovery.

The first Science and Technology Master Plans or STMP was formulated on August 8,
1988. Its goal was for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country status for the year
2000.

R.A. 6655 or the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 opened free education at
the secondary level. Together with this was implemented the “Science for the Masses Program”
which aimed at scientific and technological literacy among Filipinos.

President Fidel V. Ramos’ Term

There were noticeable improvements regarding science and technology during
President Fidel V. Ramos’ term. There was a significant increase personnel specializing in science
and technology. In 1988, the Philippines was estimated to have around 3, 000 competent
scientists and engineers.

During the Ramos administration, the Department of Science and Technology initiated a
Science and Technology Agenda for Development (STAND) which embodies the country’s task
development plan for 1993-1998. In 1998, a presidential task force was formed to deal with the
overall problems confronting Research and Development and Science and Technology
development in the country. It was tasked to formulate a Science and Technology development

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program that would support the national development goal of attaining a newly industrialized
country (NIC) status by the year 2000. The task force was composed of the Department of
Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry,
Department of Transportation and Communication, as well as the adviser on public resources
and three academic institutions involved in science and technology.

Another Science and Technology framework plan entitled ‘Competence, Competitive

Conscience: the Medium-Term Pan of the Department of Science and Technology (1999-2004).
Its six (6) flagship programs are:
 Comprehensive program to enhance technology enterprises;
 Integrated program on clean technologies;
 Establishment of a packaging R and D center;
 Expansion of regional meteorology centers;
 S & T Intervention program for the poor, vulnerable and disabled; and
 Comprehensive science and technology program for Mindanao.

President Ramos believes that science and technology was one of the means wherein
the
Philippines could attain the status of new industrialized country (NIC). During his term, he was
able to establish programs that were significant to the field of science and technology. In 1993,
Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) was established. Among its
priorities were:
(1) exporting winners identified by the DTI;
(2) domestic needs identified by Presidential Council for Countryside Development;
(3) support industries and
(4) coconut industry development

Among the laws enacted by Congress during the President Ramos’ term were the (1)
Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel (R.A. 8439); (2) Science and Technology
Scholarship Law of 1004 (R.A. 7687); (3) Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act (R.A. 7459) and
(4) The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (R.A. 8293) was also enacted which provides
industrial property rights, copyrights and related rights, and technology transfer arrangements.

President Joseph Estrada’s Term

During the term of President Joseph Estrada, two major legislations that he signed were
the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) which was
Designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of
its natural resources, and Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (R.A. No. 8792) which outlaws
computer hacking and provides opportunities for new businesses emerging from the Internet-
driven New Economy.

Science and Technology During President Gloria M. Arroyo’s Term

In the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration, the science and technology sector of the
Philippines was dubbed as the “golden age” of science and technology by Secretary Estrella
Alabastro. There were numerous laws and projects that concern both the environment and
science to push technology as a tool to increase the country’s economic level. This is to help
increase the productivity from Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) and help benefit the
poor people. Moreover, the term “Filipinovation” was the coined term used in helping the
Philippines to be an innovation hub in Asia.

The Science and Technology, and Innovation (STI) was developed further by
strengthening the schools and education system such as the Philippine Science High School
(PSHS), which focuses on science, technology and mathematics in their curriculum. This helps
schools produce and get more involved in this sector. Private sectors were also encouraged to
participate in developing the schools through organizing events and sponsorships. Future
Filipino scientists and innovators can be produced through this system.

President Benigno C. Aquino III

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 In an effort to improve the efficiency of both land and water, the government passed
Republic Act 10601 which improves the Agriculture and Fisheries sector through Mechanization
(AFMech). R.A. 10601 also covers research, development, and extension (RDE), promotion,
distribution, supply, assembling, manufacturing, regulation, use, operation, maintenance and
project implementation of agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment.

In 2010, President Benigno Aquino was considered as the “Father of Organic

Agriculture” because of his work on the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010 (RA 10068).
Developments regarding the research and technology of Philippine agriculture are currently in
the works. Most of the researches are inclined in solving the problem of increasing hunger in the
country by creating a more efficient and cheaper process of yielding produce. The International
Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an international research consortium, including the Philippines,
which serves to improve the rice production and quality through biotechnology and research.
Overall records and statistics about Philippine agricultural growth I provided by the Country
STAT Philippines. In 2014, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 6.13%. The gross value
added (GVA) in agriculture and fishing went up by 1.60% and this accounted for 10% of the GDP
increase.

The Harmonized Agenda for Science and Technology was presented to President Aquino
in 2014 and it included two crucial issues, inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction.

On May 23, 2016, Republic Act No. 19844, otherwise known as DICT Act of 2015, was
signed into law. Under this law, the Department of Information and Communications
Technology will take charge of planning, developing, and promoting the national, ICT
development agenda.

In the Philippines and around the world, people are talking about a science and
technology-based world and a knowledge-based economy. Given the expectations and skills
required to live successfully in such an environment and the varied problems of science
education in the country, there is a need to rethink what the vision of science education is.

The implementation of the K-12 basic education program does not bode well for science
education. Science education starts only in Grade 3 which is not comforting for the
improvement of science and math education.

The new science program decongests the competencies and arranges them in spiral
progression. While in the old curriculum, a specific discipline is being offered per grade level
such that general science is offered in the first year, biology in the second year, chemistry in the
third year and physics in for the fourth year. In the K-12 program the different disciplines in
science which are life science, chemistry, physics and earth science are incorporated in every
level. In terms of instruction, the science program shifts from traditional methods of teaching to
a more innovative exploration that emphasizes the enhancement of the
students’ critical thinking and scientific skills. The new curriculum utilizes learner-
centered approach such as the inquiry based learning pedagogy.

Take Note!

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How Far Have We Gone?
I. Short Response. Answer the questions briefly.

1. Describe briefly how science and technology evolved during each period in
history.
2. Write your own impression on the current science education in the
Philippines.

Walk the Extra Mile!

Prepare a personal written report on your own reaction/impression of our life today with the
advancement in science and technology.

REFERENCE
Prieto, N., Vega, V., Felipe, E., Meneses, J., Science, Technology and Society.
(pp. 1-10)

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 LESSON 2

Science and Technology and Nation Building

A. Importance of Science and Technology to Society
B. Impact on Technology on Society
C. S & T and its Role in Nation Building
D. The Roles of Science and Technology in the Developing
world in 21st Century

Learning Compass
At the end of the lesson, the pre-service teacher can:
 discuss the impact of scientific and technological developments on
society and the environment
 discuss the importance of science and technology in national
development
 discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building

Let’s Begin!
…are you ready to share your knowledge? Here we go…

Distinguish science from technology?

Let’s Discuss (Weeks 3-5)

Introduction

The advent of science and technology brought progress not only in our country but in the entire
world. Its development determines to a large extent the socio-economic progress of a country. It is a
well-known fact that it is directly associated with modernity and is an essential tool for rapid
development and progress of a country.

Science and Technology Defined

Science and technology is a field of endeavor upon which a two-way interaction operates
between the two.

While science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of
structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment (Oxford

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Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, 11th Edition), technology is the application of scientific knowledge for
practical purposes (Oxford). It is the use of resources made available by nature to procreate and make
changes.

Importance of Science and Technology to National Development

Development at any phase is always linked with technology and technology happens when there
is advancement in science. Modernization in every aspect of life is the greatest example of the
implementation of science and technology in every nation. With introduction of modern gadgets in
every walk of life, life has become simple and this is possible only because of implementing science and
technology together. Without having modern equipment in all sectors, be it in medicine, infrastructure,
aviation, electricity, information technology or any other field, the advancement and benefits that we
face today would not have been possible.

A nation’s development and prosperity is judged to a large extent by the status of science and
technology of that nation. Science and technology are key drivers to development, because
technological and scientific revolutions underpin economic advances, improvement in health systems,
education and infrastructure.

Today, countries are classified as developed and developing countries. The major categorization
is based on the economy and the application of science and technology. Countries which have a strong
base in science and technology are the ones that developed faster. A few examples are countries like
Japan, Russia, Brazil, China and many more. It is estimated by the World Bank that seven of the ten
largest economies of the world by 2020 would be in Asia: China, Japan, India, Thailand, South Korea, and
Taiwan. A few decades ago, these countries were known to have poor policies, low discipline and no
advancement. But with the introduction and proper implementation of science and technology in an
effective manner, they made great advancement across the globe.

The role that science and technology has played in improving the life of people across the globe
is vivid and has made life a lot easier and a lot better with the advancement in medicine, remarkable
development in education, communication, agriculture, business and industry.

Science and technology holds the key to the progress and development of any nation.
Technology plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improvement in the quality of life and real
economic growth and transformation in any society.

A nation who is not able to prosper in these aspects would never be able to sustain life and may
have to depend on other nations, without proper implementation of science and technology, no nation
could grow and all those nations that were labeled as low in growth have proven where they stand and
all that happened because of science and technology.

Importance of Science and Technology

Today, we cannot expect our life without science and technology revolving around it every
single second. Science and technology are extremely essential in our everyday life as they have made
things more simple, fast and secured.

Almost everything that we see around us is the gift of science and technology. Be it
smartphones, fan, wheel, vehicles, cloth, paper, toothbrush, electricity, microwave, radio, television,
laptops, etc., everything is the result of science and technology.

Here are what Science and Technology do for us:

1. It helps us save time and money. Various contributions of science and technology have helped us
save time and money. While science has given us the knowledge why baked or steam-cooked food is
better than the fried or oily food, technology has gifted us with microwave and steam-cookers that help
us bake and steam cook our food. Various objects like computers, modes of transportation, washing
machines help us save time and energy.

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2. Education. Science and technology have made significant contribution in the education field as well.
Technology has made education itself easier. It has provided us options like smart classes, multimedia
devices, e-libraries, e-books, etc.

3. Internet. Information Technology, including internet, is an excellent gift f technology. With the help of
internet, we do not only immense knowledge on science and other subjects, but we also get to stay
connected with our friends and family.

4. Provides us devices for comfortable sleeping, quick cooking and fast commute. With the help of
objects like AC microwave and vehicles, science and technology have made our sleeping, cooking and
commuting process easier and faster

5. It helps us live a better life. While science has made significant contributions in health by providing
treatment for various chronic diseases, technology has benefited us in receiving those treatments
through various ways and devices like X-ray, scan machines, operation devices, pacemaker, and many
more. We are also blessed with numerous exercising equipment, various health apps, online doctor and
other things that might help us maintain good health and life.

Impact of Technology on Society

Technology by itself is not harmful to society, but the way society uses technology to achieve
specific goals is what results into negative impacts of technology on the society. Humans need to use
energy to process products in factories, to run cars, to light homes and also run technological machines
like computers, but the only way we can do this without affecting the environment and society is by
shifting from exhaustible energy sources to renewable and inexhaustible energy sources like solar/wind
energy. Technology has contributed much to various aspects of life. (https:/www.use-of-
technology/com/society-impact-tech-society/)

 Technology has improved transportation. Transportation is one of the basic areas of

technological activity. Both society and businesses have benefitted from the new
transportation methods. Transportation provides mobility for people and goods.
Transportation, like other technologies, can be viewed as a system. It is a series of parts
that are interrelated. These parts all work together to meet a certain goal. Technology
has made possible all types of transportation and these include: (1) road transport used
by automobiles; (2) air transport which is used by airplanes; (3) water transportation
which is used by ships and speedboats; and (4) space transportation used to go to the
moon. Technologies like automobiles, buses and trucks have improved the way humans
move and how they transport their goods from one place to another.
 Transportation has improved communication. Communication is used for a number of
purposes. Both society and organizations depend on communication to transfer
information. People use technology to communicate with each other. Electronic media
like radios, televisions, internet, and social media have improved the way we exchange
ideas which can develop our societies. In many countries, radios and televisions are
used to voice the concerns of society. They organize live forums where the community
can contribute through mobile phones or text service systems like tweeter.
Communication technologies like television, radio and internet are used to persuade,
entertain and inform the people about the various programs of the government. Small
businesses have also used the internet and mobile communication technology to grow
and improve their business.
 The World Wide Web (www) has proved to be an enormous information base from
which information can be retrieved by means if search engines. Information from all
around the world is house on the web. With the development of web technology, the
information can be organized in an organized manner and relevant information can be
retrieved on supplying search strings ton web search engines. Digitization of information
has been a major breakthrough in the world of information technology.
 Technology as improved education and learning process. Education is the backbone of
every economy. People need well and organized educational infrastructures so that they
Science, Technology and Society 14 | 17
 can learn how to interpret information. Many schools have integrated educational
technologies in their schools with the aim of improving the way students learn.
Technologies like smart whiteboards, computers, mobile phones, iPads, projectors and
internet are being used in classrooms to boost students’ morale to learn.

In the past, when there was no technological advancement, education was usually difficult to
access and comprehend. Today, people can get educated even at their doorsteps without going
to a building called university or college to collect their certificates. Distant learning and on-line
study have made this possible.

The Role of Scientific and Technology in Nation-Building

It is a well-established fact that science and technology impacts all aspects of our lives as well as
the planet we live on. The changes induced by science and technology have for the most part benefited
mankind although there is many a case where science and technology-based innovations have been
used for the detriment of mankind, pursued for either wealth and power or both. It is the responsibility
of all concerned to ensure that science and technology is used widely to benefit mankind (Ratnasiri,
2006).

Science and technology has been one of the main driving forces of the economic growth of
nations. Most developed countries have generated new technologies with potential to result in dynamic
economic performance. This, however, has not been the case with most of the developing countries and
their developmental plans have not given emphasis and importance to science and technology and in
particular to research in the science and technology aspects. Countries like India, South Korea, and
Taiwan in the region have achieved much through science and technology and stand out as having
demonstrated the absolute importance of science and technology for economic growth. These countries
are example for the developing countries. The impact of technology on society without doubt is going to
be even more marked in the future.

It is then of paramount importance to generate and develop new knowledge in science and
technology for application nationally through our own research capability. It is also necessary to
concentrate on the rapid transfer and exchange of proven technologies from other nations to reap the
benefits of the global trends to stimulate our economic growth.

That science and technology plays a decisive role in the economic growth of nations is a
foregone conclusion. It is then pertinent to also consider and rethink about the role of scientists and
technologists in stimulating the economic well-being of the country. It is well accepted that scientists
and technologists must necessarily generate new knowledge by engaging in meaningful and appropriate
research and developmental activities. A question needs to be posted to the researchers as to whether
their role should be limited to only the narrow confines of creation of new knowledge. If scientists and
technologists are to contribute significantly to social and economic changes resulting in the
development of the country, their role should expand beyond generation of new knowledge and assume
the role of advising the decision makers and finally making the decisions on the science and technology
prospects, choice and priorities for the country.

The Role of Science and Technology in the Developing World in the 21 st Century

Developments in science and technology are fundamentally altering the way people live,
connect, communicate and transact, with profound effects on economic development. According to Lee
Roy Chetty (2012), science and technology are key drivers to development, because scientific and
technological revolutions underpin economic advances, improvements in health systems, education and
infrastructure. The technological revolutions of the 21 st century are emerging from entirely new sectors,
based on micro-processors, telecommunications, bio-technology, and nano-technology. Products are
transforming business practices across the economy, as well as the lives of all who have access to their
effects. The most remarkable breakthroughs will come from the interaction of insights and applications
arising when these technologies converge.

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 To promote technological advances, developing countries should invest in quality
education for the youth, continuous skills training for workers and managers, and should
ensure that knowledge is shared as widely as possible across society.

The state of science and technology determines the socio-economic progress of a

country. It is a well-known fact that national progress is highly correlated to the capacity
of a country to produce local industrial goods for domestic needs and that industrialization is very much
dependent on the application of science and technology.

Take Note!
REMEMBER:
Science and Technology has made great contributions to various aspects of our lives. It has
altered the way people live, connect and communicate and thus has affected profoundly the
economic development in the country

How Far Have We Gone?

Form a group and exchange ideas on concrete manifestations of the role that science and
technology play in nation building. Fill up this matrix after your academic conversation.

Contribution Benefit/s Outcome

Local

Regional

National

Walk the Extra Mile!

Draw what you think society or the world be without science and technology. In one
paragraph, present your reasons for your drawing.

REFERENCES
Prieto, N., Vega, V., Felipe, E., Meneses, J., Science, Technology and Society .
(pp. 11-17)

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