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      The modern world of work

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can recognise how the workplace has changed over time and the implications of modern-day working.

      Key learning points

      1. Traditional teams often operate in fixed locations and face-to-face communication.
      2. Modern teams are frequently remote or hybrid, using digital tools for collaboration.
      3. Advantages of modern day working include; increased productivity, enhanced customer service.
      4. Disadvantages of modern day working include; employee burnout, employee isolation and increased demand on IT systems.

      Keywords

      • Organisation - an individual or group of people working together towards a shared purpose

      • Stakeholder - an individual, group or organisation that has a vested interest in a business or project

      Common misconception

      Modern technology has improved individuals' working lives in all aspects.

      There are some negative impacts of modern-day technology on the workplace and individual workers. These include fewer opportunities for face-to-face communication and 24/7 connectivity.

      Teacher tip

      It is often assumed that pupils understand what places of work look like. Look for oppotunities in school, outside of school or maybe videos to show that allow pupils to understand what a typical workplace.

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is one advantage of conducting meetings over the internet via video links?

      It requires expensive equipment.
      It takes longer than traditional meetings.
      Correct answer: It allows people to meet without being in the same location.
      It cannot be recorded for future reference.

      Q2.
      What is the main purpose of sending an email?

      to deliver a handwritten letter
      to replace phone calls entirely
      Correct answer: to communicate quickly and electronically
      to send physical documents

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of traditional communication?

      Correct answer: sending a handwritten letter
      sending an email
      using a video conferencing tool
      using instant messaging apps

      Q4.
      Arrange the steps for conducting a video conference in the correct order:

      1 - Schedule the meeting and send invites.
      2 - Ensure that all participants have access to the meeting platform.
      3 - Start the video call at the scheduled time.
      4 - Share documents or screens as needed during the call.

      Q5.
      What is one potential downside of face-to-face meetings compared to virtual meetings?

      They make it more difficult to give a presentation.
      Correct answer: They require travel and can take more time.
      They make it impossible to share documents.
      They are less effective for group discussions.

      Q6.
      Why might some people prefer face-to-face meetings over virtual meetings?

      Correct answer: They allow for better personal connections.
      They are always cheaper than virtual meetings.
      They eliminate the need for technology.
      They are less time-consuming.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is one key characteristic of traditional teams?

      Correct answer: They operate in fixed locations with face-to-face communication.
      They are primarily remote or hybrid.
      They rely on digital tools for collaboration.
      They focus only on IT systems.

      Q2.
      What is the term for a working model that combines remote and in-office working?

      Correct Answer: hybrid, hybrid working

      Q3.
      Match the following terms with their definitions:

      Correct Answer:stakeholder,a person or group with a vested interest in a business or project

      a person or group with a vested interest in a business or project

      Correct Answer:organisation,a group of people working together towards a shared purpose

      a group of people working together towards a shared purpose

      Correct Answer:employee burnout,stress caused by overwork or constant connectivity

      stress caused by overwork or constant connectivity

      Correct Answer:employee isolation,feeling disconnected due to remote or hybrid working

      feeling disconnected due to remote or hybrid working

      Q4.
      What is one advantage of modern-day working?

      increased opportunities for face-to-face communication
      reduced demand on IT systems
      limited working hours
      Correct answer: enhanced customer service

      Q5.
      Which of the following is a disadvantage of modern-day working?

      increased productivity
      enhanced collaboration
      Correct answer: employee burnout
      improved IT systems

      Q6.
      What is one implication of hybrid or remote working?

      They eliminate the need for IT systems.
      They reduce the need for collaboration tools.
      They guarantee improved face-to-face communication.
      Correct answer: They can lead to employee isolation.

      To help you plan your 10 computing lesson on: The modern world of work, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...