1. Technological Fix 1. Why is there inequality in access to technology
Technological Fix 1. 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

2. “defined as the ability to control nature”
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?

3. 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

4. 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 MP ?
Introduction
Growth
Maturity
Decline
Product Sales
Original product
New product
Newer product
Time

5. 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

6. Mix and Match

7. Geographical Distribution of Technology – Access to electricity
Patterns? Anomalies?
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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Plenary
Technological Fix can solve any problem the earth may face.... How far do you agree with this statement and why?