Technology benefits

This engaging activity makes students aware of the positives that modern communication systems give to society, and asks them to make decisions about the use of these systems for social, economic and environmental purposes.

Living in a highly technological world, where access to information and entertainment is at our fingertips, the Inform and Entertain Me topic is a gateway to engage and introduce students to the principles and technology that form the basis for communication devices that are used in our everyday lives.

This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (DT) and science.

Activity: Exploring how advances in communication technologies benefit society

Using the 'Festivals' presentation as a guide, students will reflect on the impact of recent communication technologies on family life, particularly during events like Christmas. They will consider aspects such as instant global gift delivery through internet shopping, video calling platforms like Skype enabling families to celebrate together, children playing games over the internet despite geographical distances, and mapping applications showing family members' locations.

Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about technology benefits.

The engineering context

Engineers are often responsible for advancing our way of life by inventing or perfecting technologies. Many of these advancements come from pursuing society benefits. This lesson will therefore help students make the connection between how engineering and technological advances contribute to a better world for everyone.

Suggested learning outcomes

After the lesson is finished, learners will be able to make decisions about the use of modern communications technology based on social, environmental, and economic factors.

Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources

The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including film clips!), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below.

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