Digital Devices Features

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 7 SEN learners focusing on the theme of Features of Digital Devices & Settings, linking the topic to The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis to provide meaningful context. The lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for England's Computing Programme of Study (Years 7-9), specifically developing students’ understanding of digital systems, safe use of technology, and digital literacy skills. It incorporates three distinct learner levels to scaffold learning and ensure accessibility for all pupils in a small class of 8.

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National Curriculum Links

• Key Stage 3 Computing:

  • Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
  • Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
  • Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

• Digital Literacy Focus:

  • Develop awareness of device features and settings influencing accessibility, usability, and productivity.
  • Tailor digital environments to individual needs reflecting real-life applications and empathy for diverse users.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify key features of common digital devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) and their functions.
2. Understand basic settings that affect usability, including accessibility options (e.g., screen brightness, font size, volume control).
3. Relate how digital devices help the protagonist in The Breadwinner to connect, learn, or assist family members.
4. Demonstrate responsible use of basic digital settings to enhance their own digital environment.

Success Criteria:

• Can name and describe at least three device features.
• Can adjust at least two device settings to improve use.
• Can explain how the device supports communication and safety in The Breadwinner context.

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Materials Needed

• Tablets or laptops (at least one per two students)
• Printed excerpts or summaries from The Breadwinner (age-appropriate, simplified for SEN learners)
• Visual aids: labelled images of devices and settings icons
• Worksheets tailored for three learner levels (see differentiation)
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage with Context: Briefly recap The Breadwinner focusing on when digital devices help the main character. Use a simple storyboard or images to aid comprehension.
• Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students to share what digital devices they use at home and what features they like or find helpful.
• Set the Objective: Show examples of digital devices and explain that today’s lesson is about understanding these devices’ important features and settings to help them use devices better.

2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

Activity A: Device Feature Identification (10 minutes)

• Present labelled images of laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• In pairs (mixed-ability), students match a list of features or functions (e.g., camera, keyboard, volume buttons) to the correct device.
• Use a visual checklist and tactile prompts for SEN learners with additional needs.

Activity B: Exploring Settings (15 minutes)

• Demonstrate changing simple settings on a device (e.g., increasing font size, adjusting brightness, enabling screen reader).

• Students practise changing at least two settings on their devices.

• Thematic Context: Explain how the character(s) in The Breadwinner would need to adjust digital settings for better communication or comfort. For example, increasing font size for reading letters.

• Differentiation:

  • Level 1 (Support): Matching pictures of settings icons to functions on a worksheet; supported by prompts.
  • Level 2 (Developing): Independently adjusting settings on a device with minimal guidance.
  • Level 3 (Extension): Describe verbally or in writing how changing settings improves usage and safety.

3. Plenary (10 minutes)

• Recap the features and settings learned using a quick-fire quiz (show icon/device — ask “What is this feature?” or “What can you change here?”).
• Discuss how digital devices can help people in situations like in The Breadwinner, fostering empathy and understanding of technology’s social impact.
• Students self-assess using a traffic light system (green = I understand; amber = I’m partly sure; red = I need help).

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during paired activities.
• Worksheet completion for feature matching and setting adjustments.
• Use plenary quiz answers and self-assessment traffic lights to measure understanding.
• Level 3 learners can be assessed on their ability to explain setting utility in the story context.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a personalised digital settings poster, showing their preferred device setup.
• Role-play: Students take on the role of Parvana (from The Breadwinner) teaching a friend to use a digital device safely and effectively.
• Build simple digital literacy checklists for safe and responsible use inspired by scenarios from the book.

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Reflection for Teachers

• This lesson uses a familiar literary context to help SEN learners engage meaningfully with technical content.
• Visual aids, paired work, and hands-on device use support diverse needs.
• Encourages empathy by connecting technology skills to real-world stories.
• Differentiated tasks ensure pupils at all levels can access and extend their learning.

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This highly contextualised and differentiated lesson plan not only meets the National Curriculum computing aims but also enhances pupils’ understanding through social-emotional connections with The Breadwinner, creating a memorable and impactful learning experience.