Technology in Business

Overview

In this 45-minute introductory lesson, 7th-grade students will explore the vital role technology plays in modern business. They will discover various technological tools that businesses use to improve efficiency, communication, and innovation across different sectors. This lesson aligns with Common Core standards focused on critical thinking, communication, and real-world application of informational texts.

---

Learning Objectives

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

1. Identify and describe at least three different types of technology used in businesses today. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1, RI.7.3)
2. Explain how technology improves business operations and customer engagement. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1)
3. Demonstrate effective collaboration and communication while discussing technology applications in groups. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1, SL.7.4)
4. Connect technology tools to specific business sectors (e.g., retail, manufacturing, services). (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.7)

---

Standards Alignment

Standard Code	Description
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1	Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of informational texts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.3	Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in texts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1	Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 7 topics.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4	Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.7	Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text on the same topic.

---

Materials Needed

• Projector or smartboard
• Printed handouts with brief descriptions of technologies (e.g., cloud computing, e-commerce platforms, automation, CRM software)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper and markers for group work
• Timer or stopwatch

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking students: “What kinds of technology do you think businesses use every day?” Use a quick Think-Pair-Share to allow them to brainstorm and discuss briefly with a partner.
• Write several examples on the board as students share ideas (e.g., computers, smartphones, robots, websites).
• Introduce the lesson goal: to explore how such technologies help businesses run more smoothly and serve customers better.

---

2. Mini Lecture & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Present a concise, visually engaging slideshow presenting 4 main types of business technology:
  1. Communication tools (email, video conferencing)
  2. Sales and marketing tech (e-commerce websites, social media)
  3. Automation and robotics (manufacturing robots, inventory scanners)
  4. Data management (cloud storage, Customer Relationship Management software)
• After each category, briefly explain how it benefits businesses and ask students guiding questions such as:
  • “How might video calls change how businesses communicate internally?”
  • “Why would a business use robots on a factory floor?”

---

3. Group Activity - Tech in Sectors (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into 5 groups of 3 students. Assign each group a business sector: retail, manufacturing, services, agriculture, and technology services.
• Provide each group with a handout listing relevant technologies. Their task: Using chart paper, list at least three technologies their sector would use and explain why.
• Circulate the room to support and probe deeper thinking with questions like:
  • “How does this technology affect the customer experience?”
  • “What problems does this technology solve for this business?”

---

4. Presentations and Class Discussion (10 minutes)

• Each group presents their sector’s technologies and reasoning (2 minutes per group).
• Encourage other students to ask questions or add ideas after each presentation to practice critical thinking and communication (aligns with CCSS SL.7.1).
• Summarize key points: Emphasize how technology varies but is essential across all sectors.

---

5. Exit Ticket - Reflect & Write (5 minutes)

• Students write a brief response answering:
  “Which business technology do you think is most important today? Why?”
• Collect these for formative assessment of understanding and reasoning skills (aligned with CCSS RI.7.1 and W.7.1).

---

Assessment

• Formative: Participation during discussions, group presentations, and exit ticket responses to gauge comprehension and communication skills.
• Checklists or notes during group work will monitor collaboration and critical thinking progress.

---

Differentiation & Engagement Tips

• Pair English Language Learners with supportive peers and provide vocabulary scaffolds on tech terms.
• Use visuals and real-world examples to anchor understanding.
• Encourage tech-savvy students to explain concepts to peers, fostering leadership.
• Integrate quick tech demos or virtual business tours if technology allows.

---

Extension Idea

For homework, students can find and bring a news article or advertisement showing technology in business and be ready to share in the next class. This promotes real-world use of reading informational texts (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1).

---

This lesson leverages collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world connections while meeting Common Core standards in reading, speaking, and listening — setting a solid foundation for the entire "Tech-Savvy Business Basics" unit.