Impact on Families

Lesson Overview

• Unit: Building Family Connections
• Lesson: 8 of 30
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Class size: 27 students
• Year Level: Year 12
• Learning Area: Technologies (aligned to Western Australian Curriculum)
• Lesson Title: Impact of Technology on Families
• Focus: Evaluate how technology influences family interactions and communication

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Critically analyse how various technologies affect communication patterns and relationships within families.
• Evaluate both positive and negative impacts of technology on family interactions.
• Reflect on their own family’s use of technology and how it shapes connection and communication.

Western Australian Curriculum Alignment:

• Technologies: Design and Technologies - Digital Technologies
• Students analyse and evaluate the role of technologies in communication and social contexts, considering impacts on individuals and groups.
• Relevant content descriptor: Understanding how technologies influence relationships and communication within communities and families (general capabilities in ICT and personal and social capability).
• Emphasis on ethical and responsible use of technology in family and social settings(Interpretation from related year levels and ICT skills).

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Lesson Plan Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Resources / Materials
0-10	Introduction and Engagement	- Begin with an open class discussion: "How do you think technology affects the way families communicate nowadays?" - Show a brief video or infographic illustrating diverse family communication modes enhanced or hindered by technology (e.g., video calls, social media, texting vs. face-to-face). - Outline lesson objectives.	Whiteboard, markers, projector, video/infographic on family tech use
10-25	Group Activity: Case Study Analysis	- Divide students into 5 groups (5-6 students each). - Each group reviews a different case study depicting a family’s interaction influenced by specific technology (e.g., smartphone use, gaming, social media, video calls, home assistants). - Groups identify and prepare lists of positive impacts, negative impacts, and opportunities for improved communication.	Printed or digital case studies, pens, paper or digital devices for notes
25-35	Group Presentations	- Each group presents their case analysis (3 minutes each). - Class notes key points on a shared board/chart under headings: Positive impacts, Negative impacts, Solutions.	Whiteboard/chart, markers
35-45	Whole Class Evaluation Discussion	- Facilitate a reflective discussion, prompting critical questions: • How do we balance screen time and face-to-face interaction in families? • What ethical issues arise from technology use in families (privacy, distraction, digital divides)? • Can technology strengthen family bonds despite physical distance?	Whiteboard for listing ideas, guiding questions prepared
45-55	Individual Reflective Task	- Students write a personal reflection: "Describe how technology has influenced communication in your own family. What are the benefits and challenges? What changes would you suggest?" - Encourage honesty and depth of thought.	Paper or digital device for writing
55-60	Wrap-up and Homework Assignment	- Share a sample framework for an assessment task: a report or digital presentation evaluating technology’s impact on families. - Homework: Begin planning this extension task.	Handout outlining assessment task and expectations

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Students with learning diversity can contribute via assistive tech or through oral presentations.
• For EAL/D students, scaffold vocabulary with pre-taught terms (e.g., communication modes, impact, ethical use).
• Encourage culturally sensitive perspectives on family and technology use.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through group presentations and class discussion participation.
• Individual reflection provides insight into personal understanding and critical thinking.
• The homework extension task will be further assessed according to rubric aligned with the WA Technology Curriculum standards.

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Additional Teacher Notes - Innovative Use of AI and Technology

• To impress and engage teachers less familiar with AI, suggest using AI-driven tools in later lessons or assessments such as:

  • Generative AI to help students draft communication plans for families with proposed technological solutions.
  • Digital mind-mapping tools for groups to organise ideas collaboratively in real time.
  • Pose a challenge: students propose ethical guidelines for family technology use, supported by AI-researched examples.

• The lesson deliberately integrates social learning and reflection to suit Year 12 students’ maturity and critical thinking skills, providing space for self and peer evaluation.

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This lesson meets the Western Australian Curriculum for Technologies focused on the critical evaluation of technological impacts on society and individuals, specifically addressing family and communication contexts, with practical engagement fitting Year 12 capabilities and interests.