Advances in Deaf Technology

Year Level: Year 9

Subject: Languages

Duration: 70 minutes

Class Size: 18 students

Australian Curriculum Links:

Languages – Understanding & Communicating

• AC9LC9U05: Understand how identity is shaped by language, culture, and technology.
• AC9LC9C01: Engage in discussions about issues relevant to language and culture.
• AC9LC9U04: Explore how language varies and changes due to social, cultural, and technological influences.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand how technological advancements support deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) individuals.
2. Explore Australian innovations in communication for the deaf and HoH community.
3. Analyse how technology changes language and accessibility.
4. Engage in thoughtful discussion about inclusivity and language evolution.

---

Materials Required

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Printed fact sheets on Australian deaf technology
• Small whiteboards and markers for group activities
• Pre-recorded video interviews with deaf Australians (if available)
• Access to classroom tablets/laptops for hands-on engagement

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 mins)

Teacher-Led Discussion:

• Write these three terms on the board: "Innovation," "Accessibility," and "Communication."
• Ask students:
  • What do these words mean to you?
  • How do you think technology affects the way we communicate?
  • How might technology support people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
• Show a short 2-minute video of well-known Australians who are deaf/HoH discussing their experiences with technology.

---

2. Background Context (15 mins)

Mini-Lecture: Evolution of Deaf Communication

• Briefly explain the history of technology in deaf communication:
  • The invention of hearing aids
  • Cochlear implants (developed in Australia)
  • Text Telephones (TTY)
  • Real-time captioning and Auslan interpreters
  • AI-based speech-to-text software
  • Emerging assistive devices like bone conduction technology
• Encourage students to think about how these have changed everyday life for deaf individuals.

---

3. Group Investigation: Australian Innovations (20 mins)

Activity: Technology Research Stations

• Set up four stations around the classroom, each focusing on a different Australian advancement:
  1. Cochlear Implants – How they work and their impact (Australia is a global leader)
  2. Auslan Translators & AI Apps – Real-time translation on mobile devices
  3. Live Captioning Services – Used in education, TV, and public spaces
  4. Smart Hearing Aids – Devices that adapt based on the environment
• Divide students into four groups. Each group spends 5 minutes per station, reading material and noting key points.
• After rotations, they return to their original group and summarise findings.

---

4. Class Discussion: Impact & Ethics (15 mins)

Guided Discussion Questions:

• How do these innovations enhance life for the deaf/HoH community?
• Should all businesses/public spaces be required to have assistive technology?
• Are there any downsides or ethical concerns with certain technologies (e.g., cochlear implants for young children)?
• Is technology replacing the need for Auslan, or does it complement it?

Activity: Debate Showdown

• Split students into two groups: Pro-Technology vs. Pro-Auslan
• Assign a stance randomly and give 3 minutes to prepare arguments.
• Each side presents one argument at a time in a respectful debate format.

---

5. Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 mins)

Exit Ticket Activity:

• Hand out small whiteboards to students.
• Ask: "What is one innovation that stood out to you today, and why?"
• Students write their responses and hold them up.
• Discuss a few standout answers.

Homework Thought Question:

• Students write a short 150-word reflection on "What is the next advancement you believe will change life for the deaf/HoH community in Australia?"

---

Assessment & Extension Opportunities

• Formative assessment: Exit tickets and class discussion participation.
• Summative assessment: Research a real-life Australian who has benefited from deaf technology and write a 300-word profile.
• Extension activity: Experiment with real-time captioning software (if classroom technology allows) and evaluate its effectiveness.

---

Teacher Notes & Differentiation

• Provide Auslan videos or transcripts for students who need additional support.
• Ensure all digital resources are accessible (closed captions, easy-to-read text).
• Allow students to choose verbal, written, or visual responses where possible.
• Pair EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) students with peer mentors to support discussion.

---

This lesson plan is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Languages – Year 9, fostering understanding of communication technology and encouraging cross-cultural appreciation. It engages students interactively while ensuring sensitivity toward deaf culture.