Technologies · Year 6 · Impacts of Innovation · Term 3

Making Tech Last Longer

Students explore simple ways to make their own technology last longer, such as caring for devices, repairing them, and choosing products that are built to be durable.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9TDI6K04

About This Topic

Digital Ethics and Inclusivity focuses on the responsibility of creators to ensure technology is fair and accessible to everyone. In Year 6, students explore how digital divide, the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don't, affects opportunities in education and work. They also look at 'algorithmic bias' and how software can sometimes treat people unfairly if it isn't designed carefully. This topic is a vital part of the ACARA Technologies curriculum, emphasizing the social and ethical protocols of digital citizenship.

Students also investigate accessibility, learning how technology can be designed to support people with disabilities, such as screen readers for the blind or voice control for those with limited mobility. This topic encourages empathy and a sense of justice. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can evaluate real-world digital services and suggest ways to make them more inclusive for all Australians.

Key Questions

1. Explain how taking care of a device can help the environment.
2. Compare the benefits of repairing a broken device versus buying a new one.
3. Design a set of tips for classmates on how to extend the life of their digital devices.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how proper device care contributes to environmental sustainability.
• Compare the economic and environmental benefits of repairing versus replacing a digital device.
• Design a set of practical, actionable tips for extending the lifespan of common digital devices.
• Identify common causes of technology obsolescence and premature failure.

Before You Start

Digital Citizenship

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of responsible technology use to connect personal actions with broader impacts.

Materials and Their Properties

Why: Understanding different material properties helps students grasp why some devices are more durable or prone to damage.

Key Vocabulary

Planned Obsolescence	The practice of designing products to become outdated or non-functional after a certain period, encouraging consumers to buy new ones.
E-waste	Discarded electronic devices, which can contain hazardous materials and contribute to pollution if not disposed of properly.
Repairability	The ease with which a product can be repaired, often related to the availability of parts, tools, and clear instructions.
Durability	The ability of a product to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; a measure of how long a product is likely to last.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often think that because a computer makes a decision, it must be 'neutral' or 'fair.'

What to Teach Instead

Explain that computers are programmed by humans and learn from human data, which can contain biases. Using a 'think-pair-share' about how a sports-ranking AI might be biased if it only looks at one type of stat can help illustrate this.

Common Misconception

Many learners believe that 'accessibility' is only for a small number of people.

What to Teach Instead

Clarify that inclusive design helps everyone. For example, captions on videos help people in noisy places, not just those who are deaf. A 'gallery walk' of everyday inclusive designs (like ramps or dark mode) can broaden their perspective.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Accessibility Challenge

Students try to complete a simple digital task (like finding a bus timetable) while simulating a disability, such as using only one hand or wearing glasses that blur their vision. They then discuss how the website could be redesigned to be more inclusive.

30 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Digital Divide Map

Groups research internet access rates in different parts of Australia and the Asia-Pacific. They create a 'heat map' showing where access is low and brainstorm three ways this lack of technology might affect a student's ability to learn.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Fair or Unfair AI?

Students are given a scenario where an AI is used to pick the 'best' student for an award based only on their grades. In pairs, they discuss what information the AI might be missing (like effort or kindness) and whether this is a 'fair' use of technology.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Electronics repair technicians work in shops and service centers, diagnosing and fixing issues with smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, extending their useful life for customers.
• Environmental advocacy groups like Greenpeace publish reports on corporate responsibility regarding e-waste and push for 'right to repair' legislation, influencing how companies design and support their products.
• Consumers can choose to purchase refurbished electronics from companies like Apple or Amazon, which offer tested and repaired devices at a lower cost and reduce the demand for new manufacturing.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine your tablet screen cracked. What are the first three things you would consider before deciding whether to repair it or buy a new one?' Guide students to discuss cost, environmental impact, and data loss.

Quick Check

Provide students with a list of common device care actions (e.g., 'clean the screen regularly', 'don't leave it in direct sunlight', 'use a protective case'). Ask them to circle the actions that help prevent damage and put a star next to actions that help the environment. Discuss their choices.

Peer Assessment

Students draft a short 'Tech Care Tip Sheet' for classmates. They exchange drafts and provide feedback using a checklist: 'Is each tip clear and easy to understand?', 'Does the tip help the device last longer?', 'Is there at least one tip related to environmental care?'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'algorithmic bias' in simple terms?

Algorithmic bias is when a computer program makes unfair decisions because it was trained on 'one-sided' information. For example, if a face-recognition app was only tested on people with light skin, it might not work well for people with dark skin. This isn't because the computer is 'mean,' but because it didn't have enough diverse information to learn from.

What is the 'Digital Divide'?

The Digital Divide is the gap between people who have easy access to fast internet and modern devices, and those who don't. In Australia, this often affects people in remote areas or families who can't afford expensive tech. This gap can make it harder for some people to get an education or find a job.

How can we make websites more inclusive?

We can use 'Alt-text' for images so screen readers can describe them to blind users, ensure high color contrast for people with low vision, and keep the language simple so it's easy for everyone to understand, including people who are still learning English.

How can active learning help students understand digital ethics?

Ethics can be a dry topic if taught as a list of rules. Active learning, like 'The Accessibility Challenge' simulation, builds immediate empathy. When students experience the frustration of a poorly designed interface firsthand, they understand the *why* behind inclusive design. Debating 'Fair or Unfair AI' scenarios helps them develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate a world where algorithms make more and more decisions.