PART 1 Discuss the questions below about smart technology.
1 2 3
4 5 6
1. Does smart technology affect you in any of the same or similar ways? Explain.
2. In what other positive/negative ways can smart technology affect people?
PREVIEW ACTIVITY
PART 2 Which people in Part 1 do you think are saying each idea below?
1 Ugh, I hate that 2 Let’s use Google 3 All these notifications
Maps to figure out
my devices give are distracting and
how to get to our
me tech-neck! give me anxiety!
accommodation.
4 My devices make doing 5 I should stop clinging
research and looking to my phone at night. It
things up way easier! messes with my sleep.
PREVIEW ACTIVITY
PART 3 Do you agree (A), disagree (D), or partially (P) agree / disagree with each idea below
about smart technology. Explain.
A D P
1. I find myself clinging to my smartphone too frequently.
2. It'd be pretty easy for me survive a day without my smartphone.
3. Smart technology is making us smarter.
PREVIEW ACTIVITY
PREVIEW DISCUSSION
What can people do in order to improve or have a healthier
relationship with smart technology?
What has worked for you, if anything?
VIEWING ACTIVITY
VIEWING ACTIVITY
Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb?
VIEWING ACTIVITY
Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb?
PART 1 Discuss/Write some positive & negative impacts of smart technology according to
the video.
Positive Impacts Negative Impacts
VIEWING ACTIVITY
PART 2 Choose true (T) or false (F) according to the information in the video.
T F
2:01 1. Research indicates that heavy use of smart technology enhances the language
development of children.
2:16 2. Tablets are increasingly common in elementary school classrooms.
2:36 3. Parents are worried about smart technology disrupting their children's ability
to concentrate.
2:52 4. Research suggests that writing by hand isn't as cognitively stimulating as typing
on a computer.
CHECK YOUR
ANSWERS
VIEWING ACTIVITY
PART 2 Choose true (T) or false (F) according to the information in the video.
T F
2:01 1. Research indicates that heavy use of smart technology enhances the language
development of children.
2:16 2. Tablets are increasingly common in elementary school classrooms.
2:36 3. Parents are worried about smart technology disrupting their children's ability
to concentrate.
2:52 4. Research suggests that writing by hand isn't as cognitively stimulating as typing
on a computer.
VIEWING ACTIVITY
PART 3 Complete the reporter's quote below. In each space, there are three missing words.
Fun fact: In Silicon Valley, are becoming more and more popular. And the
people who send their kids there are executives of tech companies. ,
experts insist in the end it how we use our gadgets and how much time
we spend on them."
VIEWING ACTIVITY
VIEWING FOLLOW-UP
PART 1 Discuss the questions below.
1. How well do you think the video answers the question about whether smart
technology makes us dumb?
2. What do you think about the idea of tech-free elementary schools for children?
Do you agree or disagree with this policy? Why?
3. All in all, do you feel like your smart devices have more of a positive or negative
impact on you personally?
VIEWING FOLLOW-UP
PART 2 Read Omar's opinion about smart technology below. Then match the linking phrases in
bold to their function in the table.
Smart technology is a valuable asset in today's world, offering many benefits like
improved communication and access to information. Not to mention, it helps us stay
organized and productive. On the other hand, it can lead to overreliance and in some
cases, even addiction. On top of that, excessive use might mess with our sleep and result
in issues like reduced attention spans. In short, there are plenty of pros and cons of using
smart technology. The key is to use it with a healthy balance. However, achieving this
balance can be tough and is easier said than done. All in all, whether smart technology is
good or bad for us comes down to how we use it."
Contrasting A Summarizing A
Adding To A Point Concluding Ideas
Point Main Point
VIEWING FOLLOW-UP
PART 3 Complete Daewon's opinion about his smartwatch using the same linking phrases in
Part 2. More than one phrase might fit some.
I just got my first ever wearable technology — a smartwatch! I use it mainly as a
fitness tracker and (1) , it can monitor my health and send me
reminders and notifications. (2) , my smartwatch helps me stay on
top of my fitness, health, and daily tasks. (3) , there are some
glitches and sometimes it acts up. (4) , the constant stream of
notifications can sometimes feel overwhelming and intrusive. Despite a few minor
annoyances, (5) , the purchase was well worth it!"
VIEWING FOLLOW-UP
TECH TALK UNPLUGGED:
SHARE YOUR OPINIONS
OPTION A
STEP ● Choose a specific type of technology you use. It can be a device, equipment,
1 software, etc.
● You can choose a type of technology from the list below, or think of another.
● Write some notes about what you like / dislike about this technology.
A laptop, computer, or tablet A mobile application
An AI tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) A streaming platform (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
A video calling tool (Zoom, etc.) Other (specify):
Notes:
STEP
2 ● Work with a classmate / your teacher.
● Share your opinions about the type of technology you each chose.
● BONUS: In your discussions, use some of the linking phrases below.
Phrases
Not to mention, ... - On top of that, ... - However, ...
:
On the other hand, ... - In short, ... - All in all, ... TECH TALK UNPLUGGED:
SHARE YOUR OPINIONS
OPTION B ● Choose a few ideas below. Discuss and share your opinions on each one.
● BONUS: In your discussions, use some of the linking phrases below.
Phrases
Not to mention, ... - On top of that, ... - However, ...
:
On the other hand, ... - In short, ... - All in all, ...
Ideas:
1. Everyone should set aside a daily tech-free period when they avoid using digital devices.
2. Despite an increasingly digital society, I haven't lost any personal or social skills.
3. Life was a lot tougher in the era prior to the emergence of smart technology.
4. My smart devices often give me anxiety or make me feel overwhelmed.
5. I believe I rely on my smart devices less than most people do.
6. I am concerned about the future impact of smart technology on our society.
7. Smart technology is the best way for busy parents to keep kids occupied.
TECH TALK UNPLUGGED:
SHARE YOUR OPINIONS
QUIZ & REVIEW ACTIVITY
PART 1 Discuss the questions below according to the information in the video.
1. What are some positive and negative impacts of smart technology?
2. What kinds of research does the reporter discuss in regard to children?
3. What is mentioned about tablets?
4. What are some parents worried about?
5. What kinds of research does the reporter discuss in regard to writing by hand
as opposed to typing?
QUIZ & REVIEW ACTIVITY
PART 2 Complete the table using at least one linking phrase in each section.
Contrasting A Summarizing A
Adding To A Point Concluding Ideas
Point Main Point
QUIZ & REVIEW ACTIVITY
PART 3 Choose the correct linking phrase in Melissa's opinion about ChatGPT.
I recently started using ChatGPT for various tasks — it's been a real game-changer!
As a marketing specialist, I use it mainly for brainstorming and generating content.
On top of that / On the other hand , it provides me instant insights on general
search queries. However / In short , this AI tool helps me in both my personal
and professional life. All in all / However , there are times when it doesn't fully
grasp the context or provide accurate answers. Not to mention / On the other
hand , I have constant problems with connectivity and it often logs me out of my
account. In short / All in all , I would say that ChatGPT is a really valuable
resource to use despite a few minor flaws!"
QUIZ & REVIEW ACTIVITY
LESSON REFLECTION Discuss the questions below about the lesson.
1. Did you learn or use any new vocabulary, grammar, etc. in this lesson? If so, what?
2. Did you learn anything new in this lesson about smart technology?
3. What did you enjoy about the lesson?
4. Is there anything you found difficult about the lesson?
QUIZ & REVIEW ACTIVITY
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