Technology as a Catalyst for Change

Abstract

Technology is an inherent feature of human civilisation. The historical impact of technologically catalysed change is explored to identify the factors that continue to stimulate possible changes for the university. The definition of technology is explored, recognising the need to incorporate a mix of technical affordances with the social context and human interaction with those affordances, creating the concept of ‘metatechnologies’ or technology as a platform. The human challenges affecting sense-making are explored including the impact of rapid and complex supercomplexity on human abilities to cope, resulting in future shock and preventing effective engagement with the wicked problems catalysed by technology. The unpredictable nature of technological development and change reflects the intersection of technology with human concerns and is a key feature of the argument against technological determinism as the primary driver for change in the university.