PREVIEW ACTIVITY Fluentize, LLC. Copyright 2024. For use only with license.

Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb? (B2)

PAGE 1

Is smart technology helping or harming the people in the images? Explain. Then discuss the
PART 1
questions below.

1 2 3
Marco
Pat +
Alicia Rosa

4 5 6
Ella
Paul 8

José +
Rita

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?

PART 2 Which people in Part 1 do you think are saying each idea below?

1 2 3 4 5
Ugh, I hate that Let’s use Google All these My devices make I should stop
my devices give Maps to figure out notifications are doing research and clinging to my phone
how to get to our distracting and give looking things up at night. It messes
me tech-neck!
accommodation. me anxiety! way easier! with my sleep.

Discuss whether you agree (A), disagree (D), or partially (P) agree / disagree with each idea
PART 3
below about smart technology. Explain.

1 A D P I find myself clinging to my smartphone too frequently.

2 A D P It'd be pretty easy for me survive a day without my smartphone.

3 A D P Smart technology is making us smarter.

IS SMART TECHNOLOGY Fluentize, LLC. Copyright 2024. For use only with license.
MAKING US DUMB? Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb? (B2)
PAGE 2

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

PART 1 Discuss/Write some positive & negative impacts of smart technology according to the video.

Positive Impacts Negative Impacts

PART 2 Choose true or false for each sentence. Correct the false ones.

2:01 1 TRUE FALSE Research indicates that heavy use of smart technology enhances the
language development of children.

2:16 2 TRUE FALSE Tablets are increasingly common in elementary school classrooms.

2:36 3 TRUE FALSE Parents are worried about smart technology disrupting their children's ability
to concentrate.

2:52 4 TRUE FALSE Research suggests that writing by hand isn't as cognitively stimulating
as typing on a computer.

PART 3 Complete the reporter's quote below. In each space, there are three missing words. (3:00 - end)

“ 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 FOLLOW-UP Fluentize, LLC. Copyright 2024. For use only with license.
Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb? (B2)
PAGE 3

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?

Read Omar's opinion about smart technology below. Then match the linking phrases in bold
PART 2
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 Point Adding To A Point Summarizing A Main Point Concluding Ideas

Complete Daewon's opinion about his smartwatch using the same linking phrases in Part 2.
PART 3
More thanone 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!"
TECH TALK UNPLUGGED: Fluentize, LLC. Copyright 2024. For use only with license.
SHARE YOUR OPINIONS Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb? (B2)
PAGE 4

OPTION A

STEP 1 • Choose a specific type of technology you use. It can be a device, equipment, 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, ...

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.
QUIZ & REVIEW ACTIVITY Fluentize, LLC. Copyright 2024. For use only with license.
Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb? (B2)
PAGE 5

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?

PART 2 Complete the table using at least one linking phrase in each section.

Contrasting A Point Adding To A Point Summarizing A Main Point Concluding Ideas

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!"

LESSON REFLECTION:
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?