Technology Impact Today

Overview

This 55-minute lesson for Year 11 Business students in New Zealand focuses on Technological Influences (Hangarau) and how technology affects business, aligned with Achievement Standard AS 90844. It closely follows the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, integrating relevant learning objectives, competencies, and assessment expectations.

Curriculum Links

• Business Studies, Level 6 (Years 9–11, NZC Technology Learning Area)
• Achievement Standard AS 90844: Demonstrate understanding of how technological developments influence business environments.
• Learning Area: Technology (Innovative developers and discerning consumers)
• Key Competencies: Thinking, Relating to others, Using language, symbols, and texts
• Critical Focus (Years 11–13 Phase 5): Navigating pathways and developing agency to help shape the future

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Learning Intentions (WALT)

• WALT: Identify technological influences impacting business.
• WALT: Explain positive and negative impacts of technology on different business stakeholders.
• WALT: Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of technological change in business environments.

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Success Criteria

• I can list key technological influences that affect businesses today.
• I can explain at least two positive and two negative impacts of technology on various stakeholders (owners, employees, customers, community).
• I can describe advantages and disadvantages of technological change with examples relevant to New Zealand businesses.
• I can engage respectfully with peers to share ideas and opinions about technological change.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation & Supports
0–5	Starter: Think-Pair-Share	Students brainstorm "What technology do you see in everyday business?" Discuss in pairs, then share with class.	Visual mind map for dyslexia-friendly aid; sentence starters provided.
5–15	Mini-lesson: Technological Influences	Teacher-led explanation of key technological influences (e.g., digital platforms, automation, data analytics, e-commerce, AI). Use real NZ business examples.	Use of visuals and simple language; peer support; glossary of keywords available.
15–25	Group Activity: Stakeholder Impact Chart	In small groups, students create a chart listing positive and negative impacts of technology on business stakeholders (owners, employees, customers, community).	Templates provided; group roles assigned to support inclusive participation.
25–35	Class Discussion: Advantages & Disadvantages	Groups share their charts. Teacher summarises, emphasising advantages (efficiency, global reach, innovation) and disadvantages (job displacement, privacy concerns, cost, tech failures).	Encourage verbal and visual expression; allow bilingual explanations where helpful.
35–45	Individual Reflection: Scenario Analysis	Give a scenario of a NZ business implementing new technology. Students write a short reflection answering: What are the main advantages and disadvantages? Who benefits and who may be negatively affected?	Provide sentence starters and bullet summaries; allow oral instead of written reflections if appropriate.
45–55	Conclusion & Exit Slip	Quick Quiz: Name 2 technological influences, 1 positive and 1 negative impact of technology on business stakeholders, and 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of tech change.	Dyslexia-friendly fonts used on exit slip; time extension available if needed.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper and coloured markers for group work
• Printed templates for stakeholder impact chart
• Scenario handouts describing a NZ business tech adoption story
• Exit slip quiz sheets
• Glossary of key terms (e.g., automation, stakeholder, e-commerce)

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide reading materials in dyslexia-friendly fonts and layouts.
• Use graphic organisers to help students structure ideas.
• Allow verbal answers or partner discussions for those with writing challenges.
• Provide bilingual support where possible.
• Give extra wait time and check understanding through questioning.
• Pair advanced learners with peers to lead the group activity to deepen understanding.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Research a recent technological innovation in a specific NZ industry (e.g., agriculture, retail, tourism).
• Prepare a short presentation on how this technology affects different stakeholders.
• Explore ethical considerations and propose solutions to technological challenges in businesses.
• Critique a current NZ business’s use of technology, evaluating its success and risks.

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Alignment with New Zealand Curriculum Refresh

• This plan uses WALT and success criteria, following the modern teaching approach in NZ curriculum refreshes emphasizing clarity in learning intentions and student self-assessment.
• Activities promote critical thinking and collaborative skills aligned to the Technology learning area’s aim of preparing students as innovative developers and discerning consumers.
• The lesson anticipates engagement with local contexts (NZ businesses, Māori perspectives for inclusiveness if applicable), supporting Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles by valuing diverse perspectives in technology’s impacts.
• Content explicitly supports the Achievement Standard AS 90844, focusing on technological influences on business and stakeholder analysis.

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This lesson plan offers a clear, scaffolded approach to exploring technological influences in the Busienss curriculum that respects diverse learner needs, encourages deeper analytical thinking, and uses real NZ contexts for meaningful learning. It also provides teachers with tools to foster engagement and measurable success outcomes aligned with current curriculum expectations.