Technology And Social Change In Agriculture
- Agricultural Sciences
- 500 level
- 2 credit units
- 101 pages
- 13 units
This course introduces students to the relationship between technology and social systems in agricultural development. It explores indigenous technology, its impact, and the effects of technology on social structures. Students will learn about social change theories, technology transfer processes, and the role of extension agents in introducing new technologies. The course also covers ethical considerations and the mechanization of Nigerian agriculture, aiming to equip students with competencies for effective technology implementation.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 52 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic knowledge of agriculture
- Understanding of social systems
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of AEM508, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
AEM508 · UNIT 1 UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL CHANGE
In this unit, you learnt about the meaning of technology and how it mirrors the fabrics of the society; indigenous technology and how it impacts on agricultural development and how technologies in general influence the social system.
What you should be able to do
- Define technology and explain its impact on social systems.
- Discuss the role of extension agents in technology transfer.
- Identify factors influencing the acceptance or resistance to change.
- Explain the principles of agricultural extension.
- Analyze the ethical considerations in introducing technological changes.
What it prepares you for
- Agricultural Extension Officer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Rural Development Officer
- Technology Transfer Specialist
- Farm Manager
- Agriculture
- Rural Development
- Technology Transfer
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Telecentres
- Mobile phones
- Computers
- Internet
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 3: Factors to be considered in Introducing a Technology into a Community
Requires understanding of complex socio-economic dynamics and cultural nuances within local communities to effectively introduce new technologies.
- Module 4:
Unit 2: Ethical Considerations in Introducing Technological Changes
Demands critical evaluation of ethical dilemmas and potential unintended consequences of technology transfer on vulnerable populations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 56 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Understanding Technology and the Concept of Social Change · 3 hours
Define technology and social change.. Discuss indigenous technology and its impact on agriculture.. Analyze the influence of technology on social systems..
Unit 2: Understanding Technological Change · 3 hours
Examine technological changes in transportation and communication.. Discuss resistance to technological change and strategies to manage it..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 3: Basic Social Concepts · 4 hours
Explore theories of social change.. Identify sources of social change.. Analyze factors influencing acceptance or resistance to change..
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 1: Technological Change and Societies · 4 hours
Analyze the relationship between technological change and societies.. Discuss impeding forces to change.. Examine technology transfer processes..
- Week 4Module 2:
Unit 2: General Principles in Introducing Technological Change in Nigerian Agricultural Development · 4 hours
Discuss general principles in introducing technological change.. Analyze the importance of managing change effectively..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 3: Factors to be considered in Introducing a Technology into a Community · 4 hours
Identify factors to consider when introducing technology into a community.. Evaluate client-related, provider-related, and cultural factors..
- Week 6Module 3:
Unit 1: Influence of Technological Changes in Nigerian Agricultural Development · 4 hours
Analyze the desirable and undesirable influences of technological changes.. Discuss the digital divide and its impact..
- Week 7Module 3:
Unit 2: Agricultural Extension as a Source of Technological Change · 4 hours
Define extension education and its goals.. Explore the relationship between extension education and agricultural transformation..
- Week 8Module 3:
Unit 3: Principles of Agricultural Extension · 4 hours
Discuss the principles of agricultural extension.. Analyze important facts for extension workers..
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 4: Role of Agricultural Extension in Agricultural Development · 4 hours
Examine the roles of agricultural extension in agricultural development.. Analyze the nexus between rural and agricultural development..
- Week 10Module 4:
Unit 1: Functions of Change Agents in Technology Transfer · 4 hours
Define technology transfer.. Identify functions of change agents in technology transfer.. Discuss rules of effective technology transfer..
- Week 11Module 4:
Unit 2: Ethical Considerations in Introducing Technological Changes · 4 hours
Explore ethical considerations in introducing technological changes.. Discuss autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice..
- Week 12Module 4:
Unit 3: Agricultural Engineers and the Public Extension System · 4 hours
Analyze the role of agricultural engineers in the public extension system.. Discuss agricultural mechanization in Nigeria..
- Week 13Module 4:
Final Revision · 6 hours
Review all modules and units.. Prepare for final examination.. Complete outstanding assignments..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Modules 1-2 on social change theories and technology adoption.
- Review case studies in Units 3-5 to analyze real-world technology transfer scenarios.
- Practice applying ethical principles from Unit 8 to different agricultural technology contexts.
- Summarize key roles of extension agents from Units 6-7 and their impact on agricultural development.
- Focus on understanding the factors influencing technology acceptance from Module 2 and how to address them.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs) for key concepts.
Questions students ask about this course
What is AEM508 about?
This course introduces students to the relationship between technology and social systems in agricultural development. It explores indigenous technology, its impact, and the effects of technology on social structures. Students will learn about social change theories, technology transfer processes, and the role of extension agents in introducing new technologies. The course also covers ethical considerations and the mechanization of Nigerian agriculture, aiming to equip students with competencies for effective technology implementation.
How many units does AEM508 have?
AEM508, Technology And Social Change In Agriculture, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 101 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is AEM508?
AEM508 carries 2 credit units, at 500 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is AEM508 hard?
AEM508 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and problem solving work, and it has a practical component.
How long does AEM508 take to study?
About 52 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is AEM508 assessed?
AEM508 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting AEM508?
Basic knowledge of agriculture Understanding of social systems
What can I do with AEM508?
Agricultural Extension Officer, Agricultural Engineer, Rural Development Officer, Technology Transfer Specialist and Farm Manager.