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      Making choices when using information technology

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can recognise that choices are made when using information technology.

      Key learning points

      1. IT can be used in multiple ways, depending on the task.
      2. People make choices when using IT.

      Keywords

      • Variety - lots of different things

      • Choices - making decisions about something, thinking about what we want to do

      • Responsible - making sensible, positive decisions

      Common misconception

      A balanced digital life means using IT every day.

      Balanced means making responsible choices in the way you use IT. It should not be seen as something that must be used every day.

      Teacher tip

      It would be beneficial to be familiar with multiple forms of software and IT that the pupils may already be using at school or home. Start by considering what examples pupils might find in the classroom.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we call a computer or the things that are made to work with a computer?

      Correct Answer: IT, Information technology

      Q2.
      What is the purpose of a device?

      to make noise
      to do nothing
      Correct answer: to help with tasks
      to break things

      Q3.
      Match the device to its use.

      Correct Answer:computer ,follow a program

      follow a program

      Correct Answer:tablet ,play educational games

      play educational games

      Correct Answer:interactive whiteboard,display lessons

      display lessons

      Q4.
      Why should IT be used carefully?

      to make sure it breaks
      Correct answer: to keep it working well and safe
      to stop others from using it
      to scare other people

      Q5.
      How can IT be used?

      only for playing games
      only for work
      only at school
      Correct answer: in multiple ways, depending on the task

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to its meaning.

      Correct Answer:responsible,making sensible decisions

      making sensible decisions

      Correct Answer:safe ,free from harm

      free from harm

      Correct Answer:choose ,decide what to do

      decide what to do

      Q2.
      What does 'variety' mean?

      only one thing
      nothing at all
      Correct answer: lots of different things
      everything the same

      Q3.
      What does it mean to have a responsible digital life?

      using IT all day, every day
      never using IT
      ignoring all rules
      Correct answer: making good choices when using IT

      Q4.
      Arrange these steps for making choices with IT.

      1 - think about options
      2 - decide what to do
      3 - act on your choice

      Q5.
      What is one way to use IT responsibly?

      ignore all rules
      Correct answer: make sensible, positive decisions
      use IT without thinking
      share all your information

      To help you plan your 2 computing lesson on: Making choices when using information technology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...