Discover the technology industry
Explore the role technology plays in everyday lives.
These three lesson plans introduce the technology industry, how it is making the world more accessible and inclusive and its future societal impact. Each lesson will take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Don't forget to download the certificate once completed!
Discover the future of tech
Explore how technology is transforming careers across industry through discussion tasks, reflecting on students' own experiences, video case studies and Microsoft initiatives. Students will also start to understand that the future workplace needs both digital and soft skills, and people who demonstrate inclusive behaviours and value diversity.
Outcomes
Identify how technology is used in everyday life
Consider the impact of technology on different careers
Explore how technology is used as a positive force for change
Discover the people behind the technologies that impact the way we live
Timing
| Section | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | The big question: When do you not use technology? Get students thinking differently with a quick discussion and class debate. |
15 mins |
| Part one | Explore technology Find out how the medical industry is using new technologies to transform patient treatment and employee training. Watch a film to explore accessibility and inclusivity in gaming technology. |
30 mins |
| Extension | People behind the tech Challenge assumptions about the types of people that work in tech through a series of case study films and reflection questions. |
30 mins |
Downloads
Download the module materials in PDF format, in English and Welsh.
Curriculum
See how this course relates to the curriculum in the UK.
Discover diversity and inclusivity
There are 7.4 billion people in the world, over a billion of whom have disabilities. Microsoft's ambition is to create products that are physically, cognitively, and emotionally appropriate for each of them. This module will look at accessibility, diversity, bias and how inclusive design and technology has the ability to transform everyday lives.
Outcomes
Recognise the importance of different perspectives in technology design
Understand that it is everyone's responsibility to create a more inclusive world
Explore how inclusive tech impacts lives
Investigate how everyone's tech needs can be met through design tasks
Timing
| Section | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | The big question: How important is perspective? Get students thinking about the bigger picture when it comes to inclusion and taking all perspectives into consideration. |
10 mins |
| Part one | Inclusion and inclusive design Introduce students to the ideas of bias in design and tech. Discover the positive impact inclusive design can have on individuals. |
20 mins |
| Part two | How can we ensure accessibility? Help students understand the concept of accessibility. Explore the accessibility tools available for the software and tools they use daily. |
25 mins |
| Extension | Accessibility fundamentals course Show students how tech can empower people to achieve more with the Accessibility Fundamentals learning path. |
30 - 145 mins |
Downloads
Download the module materials in PDF format, in English and Welsh.
Curriculum
See how this course relates to the curriculum in the UK.
Discover today's tech
Technology is present in our daily lives - it's how we communicate, learn and even frames how we think. This module explores the social impact of technology through a range of real-life case studies. Students also reflect on the inherent bias in technology and the implications this can have on inclusion and accessibility.
Outcomes
Understand the role of technology in society
Compare both the advantages and disadvantages of technology
Consider how technological innovation can be used for positive social impact
Evaluate social impact and bias in given case studies
Timing
| Section | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | The big questions: Is technology inherently good or bad? Get students thinking differently with a quick discussion and class debate on how we use technology, and it has a positive or negative impact on society. |
10 mins |
| Part one | Tech for good Discover, research, and evaluate different projects that approach technology design with inclusivity, accessibility in mind and the positive impact they have had. |
40 mins |
| Part two | Looking forward Explore technology's potential for our society, industries and environment when it's created with diversity, inclusion, and accessibility at its core. |
10 mins |
Downloads
Download the module materials in PDF format, in English and Welsh.
Curriculum
See how this course relates to the curriculum in the UK.
Download the certificate
Celebrate success! Download and print the certificate to show student's they've completed the module.