The role of the field of study “Technology and Society” in schools is, I believe, of significant value to us as teachers, but more so for students who will be immersed in technology in the near future. Over the years, technology has developed significantly and become more prevalent, even in my short time of 21 years. Our world has changed enormously, so much so that encountering a wide range of technologies has become part of our daily life experience, at work or at play. From the radio alarm that wakes us up in the morning to the home alarm that protects us at night, technology is now abundant even at home. Some of the food we eat is the result of modern technology. We need to gain experience with these types of technologies and build a body of knowledge so that when we encounter them, we know how to use them effectively and safely. The role of technology and society aims to “equip students to face these encounters with the confidence that comes from learning from, through, and with a range of technologies” (NCCA, 2007). In this essay I will talk about how technology and society provide us with the knowledge and experience to address the challenges that I believe our society is facing. I will also look at T&S's ability to respond to the new junior cycle framework which is coming very quickly and will be implemented in the very near future. First, I will discuss the role of the T&S field of study in context. of extensive technological experience with particular reference to the important challenges that I believe our society is facing. Technology education is an essential component of the curriculum. Even for me as a teacher, in the last 6 weeks, when I was on school placement, I really started to build...... middle of paper ...... technology, just the Age-old remedy of exercise and a balanced diet. I think the above challenges are some of the important challenges facing our society. Certainly, technology will be a huge resource with which we can solve these problems, but personally I think that a little initiative is also necessary. People need to start facing reality, step back and look at the challenges we may be facing, reducing the consumption of packaged and processed foods, growing more of our own vegetables, exercising more, etc. “Technology has always been in demand. when practical solutions to problems were required. Technology is therefore an essential element of human culture because it concerns the achievement of a wide range of human goals” (Black and Harrison, 1994, p. 13). In this quote, I think the emphasis “practical solutions to problems” is very relevant and important. I feel the saying;