Digital Technology Use

Year Level

Year 6 - New Zealand

Duration

91 minutes

Learning Area

Technology (Digital Technology focus)

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson closely aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh's Technology Learning Area, focusing on "Developing Digital Outcomes" and understanding how technology supports problem-solving, communication, and efficiency in society. It also integrates aspects of Key Competencies such as using language, symbols, and texts, managing self, and participating and contributing.

Relevant Curriculum References

Technology Learning Area: Explore technology in everyday life, use digital technologies to create, communicate, and solve problems sustainably and ethically.
Digital Technology Strand: Use digital systems and tools to develop digital outcomes (year 6 level focus). Understand how technology supports meaningful personal and social purposes.
Key Competencies: Manage self; Use language, symbols, and texts; Participate and contribute.
Achievement Objectives:
- Identify how digital technology is used in work, communication, and problem-solving.
- Develop and use digital tools and applications for specific purposes.
- Understand the societal impact of digital technologies and ethical considerations.

Learning Intentions (WALT)

WALT identify and describe how adults in our lives (teachers and parents) use digital technology for work, communication, and problem-solving.
WALT understand key digital technology concepts: efficiency, applications (apps), and automation.
WALT design a simple digital invention to improve classroom learning.
WALT practice and improve typing skills using a structured approach (I do, We do, You do).

Success Criteria

I can list at least three ways my teacher uses digital devices to support my learning.
I can explain how a parent might use an app to save time with daily activities.
I can describe one significant way technology has changed work practices in New Zealand.
I can design and explain a new digital tool that could help teachers save time.
I can demonstrate improved typing skills by completing a guided typing activity and follow-up practice.

Resources Needed

Interactive whiteboard or projector
Computers or tablets (one per student or pair for typing activity)
Access to typing software or online typing lessons suitable for Year 6
Printed worksheets for design activity
Whiteboard and markers
Slide deck or printouts based on "Week 2 lesson slides how do teachers and parents use digital technology.pdf"

Lesson Sequence

Part 1: Introduction — Understanding Digital Technology in Our Lives (20 minutes)

Activities:

Hook/Engage
Show the "How Teachers and Parents Use Tech in NZ" slides with examples (smartboards, apps like Seesaw, video calls for working from home).
Class Discussion
Ask students: “How do you think your teacher uses technology during the school day?” and “How might your parents use technology at home or work?” Facilitate a brainstorm.
Key Vocabulary Introduction: efficiency, application, automation.
Briefly explain these using real-world examples relevant to students' lives.
Check Understanding Quiz (Use slide-based questions like in the provided slides).
Example Q: Which of these shows how teachers use tech to track student achievements? (Multiple choice)

Part 2: Explore & Collaborate — Teachers and Parents Using Technology (25 minutes)

Group Activity (We Do)
- Split class into groups (4-5 students).
- Each group reads examples from the slides or is given a scenario describing how a teacher or parent uses technology.
- Groups present briefly on the role technology plays (communication, working, scheduling, etc.).
Class Discussion
Discuss how technology has changed over time — compare current digital tools with what was used 30 years ago (paper diaries, maps, etc.). Highlight the societal impact.

Part 3: Create — Design a Future Classroom Tool (20 minutes)

I Do:
Model drawing/designing a simple invention (for example, a "Smart Helper Robot" that reminds teachers about tasks) and explain its purpose.
We Do:
Brainstorm as a class what problems teachers face and how technology could help.
You Do:
Students individually design and label their own future classroom tool on paper, explaining how it saves time or makes work easier.
Share:
Invite students to share and explain their ideas to the class.

Part 4: Typing Lesson with Follow-up Activities (26 minutes)

I Do (5 minutes):
Teacher models correct posture, finger positioning, and demonstrates a simple typing lesson focusing on home keys and accuracy.
We Do (10 minutes):
Guided typing practice using computers/tablets with typing software or websites suitable for Year 6 students.
You Do (11 minutes):
Independent typing activity to practice typing speed and accuracy.
Follow-up Activity:
Afterwards, students create a short written paragraph (3–4 sentences) related to today's lesson topic (e.g., "How technology helps my family") using their typing skills.

Differentiation Strategies

For Diverse Learners:
- Provide handouts with sentence starters for the design and typing reflection writing.
- Use paired activities for learners who benefit from peer support.
- Allow use of speech-to-text software if needed.
- Visual aids and real objects to support understanding of vocabulary.
For Advanced Learners:
- Challenge to incorporate more complex ideas into their invention design, such as automation or AI features.
- Encourage extended writing with explanations of how their invention might impact society or the environment.
- Extra time on typing for speed and accuracy challenges or typing multi-paragraph texts.

Assessment & Feedback

Observe participation during discussions and group work.
Collect/design evaluation for the “Future Classroom Tool” focusing on creativity and relevance.
Monitor typing skill progress through the software or teacher observation.
Reflective oral or written feedback on how students think technology affects their lives and learning.

Reflection & Next Steps

Highlight how digital technology aids everyday life and work, emphasizing ethical and purposeful use.
Encourage students to share with whānau what they've learned and ask about technology use at home.
Plan future lessons to connect digital outcomes with problem-solving projects aligned to the curriculum's Design and Developing Digital Outcomes strand.

This lesson plan creatively integrates technology awareness, design thinking, collaboration, and digital skills development within the New Zealand Curriculum framework. It is paced thoughtfully to engage Year 6 students for 91 minutes, ensuring time for direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application with clear success criteria and differentiation to support all learners.

If you would like, I can also provide the detailed slide structure or typing activity scripts for classroom use.

Teaching Instructions