Exploring Digital Technology

Overview

This 90-minute lesson is designed for Year 6 students in New Zealand to explore why and how digital technology is used at school. The lesson is aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, focusing on Technology and Digital Fluency learning areas. The final 20 minutes focus on typing skills, supporting digital capability development.

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Learning Intentions (WALT)

• We are learning to understand why digital technology is important at school.
• We are learning how to use digital technology responsibly and effectively in our learning.
• We are learning to improve our typing skills for digital communication.

Success Criteria

• I can explain reasons why digital technology is used at school.
• I can identify different ways we use digital tools in classroom activities.
• I can demonstrate correct typing posture and basic keyboard skills.
• I participate respectfully during discussions and activities.

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Curriculum Links

Technology (Years 4–6)

Technological Practice:

• Use appropriate digital tools to investigate and communicate ideas.
• Understand how digital technologies can support learning and problem-solving.

Technological Concepts:

• Explore the characteristics and uses of digital tools.

Nature of Technology:

• Recognise how digital technologies impact learning and life.

Reference: New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Technology learning area) .

Digital Technology

• Develop digital fluency by using a range of digital devices safely and effectively.
• Understand the role of digital technology in communication and learning.

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Prior Learning

• Basic awareness of computers and devices (tablets, laptops).
• Some experience using digital technology for classwork.
• Familiarity with simple keyboard and mouse use.

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Key Vocabulary

• Digital technology
• Device
• Keyboard
• Typing
• Internet
• Responsible use
• Communication

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Lesson Structure (90 minutes)

I Do (Teacher-led introduction) — 15 minutes

• Introduce the topic: Why do we use digital technology at school?
• Discuss common digital tools (computers, tablets, interactive boards).
• Explain reasons: to find information quickly, to create and share work, to communicate, to learn skills for the future.

Engagement: Show a short video or interactive slide explaining digital technology in schools (teacher creates or sources appropriate content).

• Establish classroom expectations for responsible technology use.

We Do (Collaborative activity) — 25 minutes

• Brainstorm session: In pairs, students list ways they use digital technology in school (e.g., researching, typing, presenting, coding).
• Share ideas with the class using a digital shared tool (e.g., Padlet, Google Jamboard) or classroom whiteboard.
• Teacher models sensible and safe digital behaviour, including respectful communication online.

You Do (Individual/partner tasks) — 30 minutes

• Activity 1: Students complete a worksheet or digital quiz about digital technology's role at school.
• Activity 2: Use a simple typing program (e.g., BBC Dance Mat Typing or school-approved typing software) to practise typing skills for 20 minutes.

Differentiation:

• Provide text with images for students needing visual support.
• Use oral questioning for ESOL or learning support students.
• Advanced learners can create a poster or digital presentation about the benefits of digital technology at school.

Follow-up Activities (10 minutes)

• Reflect: Share what they learned about digital technology's role.
• Set a personal goal for safe and effective digital use at school.
• Encourage students to practise typing daily at home or school.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual aids and printed notes for learners needing support.
• Use of speech-to-text tools or keyboard overlays for learners with physical challenges.
• Provide extension activities such as coding challenges or multimedia creation for advanced learners.
• Pair diverse learners to promote peer support.

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Assessment

• Observation of participation in discussions and activities.
• Review completed worksheets or quizzes to assess understanding.
• Monitor typing progress through software reports or informal observation.

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Resources Needed

• Computers or tablets with internet access.
• Typing software or online typing games.
• Interactive whiteboard or projector.
• Worksheet or digital quiz on digital technology uses.
• Chart or digital tool for brainstorming (e.g., Jamboard).

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Notes for Teachers

• Emphasise the importance of digital citizenship and responsible use throughout the lesson.
• Link digital technology use to authentic classroom examples relevant to students.
• Reinforce typing skills as a foundational digital fluency competency.

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This lesson plan follows the New Zealand Curriculum’s focus on developing confident, connected, actively involved, and lifelong learners who understand and use digital technologies appropriately for their learning and community engagement .

If you’d like, I can provide further weekly plans expanding on this theme or develop detailed assessment rubrics for this unit.