2 Week 2: Technology in the Workplace
Week 2: Technology in the Workplace
Welcome to Week 2, where we dive into the world of technology in our workplaces. This week, we’ll explore how technology is woven into the fabric of our jobs and why it’s important. From computers to the internet, technology helps us do our work faster and better.
In this week, you will learn new words related to technology at work. We will also talk about how we have used technology in our jobs before, using the past tense. We will read articles to see what new technology is coming to different jobs. You’ll write about how technology can make work better. And, you will make a slide showing how technology helps you talk to people far away, like your family.
Activities and Resources
2.1 Technology in the Workplace: A Modern Guide for All Employees
In today’s rapidly changing world, technology is crucial to how we work and interact with others on the job. Whether you’re handling packages at an Amazon warehouse or planning corporate strategies, knowing and using the right tools is essential for workplace success.
Workplace Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of productivity in any workplace. Whether you’re sharing important updates, collaborating on projects, or offering feedback, choosing the right tools can make a difference in achieving your goals.
Emails and Messaging Apps
Emails are one of the most commonly used tools in the workplace. They allow employees to share detailed information quickly and efficiently, ensuring that all team members stay informed. Messaging apps, on the other hand, provide faster, informal communication, ideal for brief updates, reminders, or real-time collaboration.
Understanding Threads
In workplace communication, a thread refers to a series of connected messages that follow a topic. This can be an email conversation where each reply is linked to the previous one or a series of comments under a social media post. Threads help keep discussions organized by grouping related messages together, making it easier for employees to follow conversations and contribute their insights.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing platforms enable virtual face-to-face meetings, helping teams collaborate even when working remotely. They are basically the work version of video calls on FaceTime or WhatsApp, except they can include large numbers of people. These tools often include chat, annotation tools, screen-sharing, and file-sharing features, making them comprehensive solutions for team projects or client interactions. Some of the most popular programs are Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Business Technology Tools
In many workplaces, knowing how to operate technology is crucial. For example, using a computer to enter data or update records is a common task. This helps businesses keep track of their work and make decisions based on the latest information.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is a technology that lets you save files online, so you can access them from any computer or device, anywhere. Last week, we learned about Google Docs and Google Slides. These are part of Google’s cloud storage service. Many of you might also use Google or Apple cloud services to keep your photos and documents safe. Businesses use cloud storage too. They keep important files online so that all workers can access them no matter where they are.
Point-of-Sale Systems
A point-of-sale system is a technology used in stores to handle sales transactions. When you buy something from a store, the cashier uses this system to add up your items, take payment, and give a receipt. This technology makes shopping easier and faster for both customers and businesses.
Biometrics
Biometrics is a technology that uses unique physical characteristics like your thumbprint or face to unlock devices. Many workers use biometrics daily to access company smartphones or computers securely. This technology helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that sensitive information is protected.
Hardware and Software
Hardware is the physical technology that we see and touch, like computers and tablets. For instance, workers might use barcode scanners to keep track of inventory or specialized machinery in a factory. Meanwhile, software is the set of instructions or programs that run on this hardware. Inventory management programs, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and accounting software are just some tools that help employees complete their tasks more efficiently.
E-Commerce
E-commerce allows businesses to buy and sell products online. Companies that rely heavily on e-commerce may use digital platforms to organize their inventory, process transactions, and market their products to customers. Warehouse workers at Amazon and similar companies help fulfill these orders, and a basic understanding of how e-commerce works can improve productivity.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is another crucial aspect of workplace technology. As more data is stored digitally, employees must understand how to keep it safe. For instance, companies often use encryption to protect sensitive information by converting it into secure codes that only authorized users can access. This prevents hackers and other threats from stealing data. At the same time, it’s essential to recognize and avoid malware—harmful software that can damage computers or steal private information.
Challenges and Trends
Troubleshooting Technology
Sometimes, technology has problems. Learning how to troubleshoot is useful. This means finding out what’s wrong and fixing it. For example, if a printer isn’t working, you might check if it has paper or if it’s connected to the network correctly. Knowing how to solve these problems can make work go smoother.
Cyberbullying
The digital age has its challenges. Cyberbullying can affect employees through social media and internal messaging platforms. Whether intentional or not, it can negatively impact morale and productivity. Employers are working to create safe environments by raising awareness and teaching workers to respond effectively.
Staying Informed
The workplace is continually affected by technological advancements. Learning about the latest trends can provide insights into how industries are transforming. Technology has become an essential tool for every industry, whether you work in a labor job or a professional office. By understanding and applying these concepts in your role, you can enhance your productivity, stay safe online, and better communicate with your team. Embracing these new tools will help you succeed in any career path you choose.
Practice
Post-Reading Discussion
After reading about technology trends, discuss:
- Which new technology are you excited to see in your workplace?
- How do you think technology can make work better?
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2.2 Understanding Technology Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes and suffixes are groups of letters that can be added to the beginning or end of a word to change its meaning. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Prefixes
These are groups of letters placed before a root word that can alter its meaning or create a new word. For example:
- Pre- (meaning “before”) + view = Preview (to view something beforehand).
- Un- (meaning “not”) + happy = Unhappy (not happy).
Suffixes
These are groups of letters added to the end of a root word that can change the word’s meaning or function. For instance:
- -ful (meaning “full of”) + joy = Joyful (full of joy).
- -er (indicating a person or thing that does something) + teach = Teacher (someone who teaches).
Prefixes and suffixes are helpful in understanding the meaning of words, especially in fields like technology. By learning them, you can better understand and decode new words you come across.
Technology Prefixes and Suffixes
In the world of technology, understanding prefixes and suffixes can help you recognize and comprehend various tech terms used in the workplace. Below, you’ll find explanations and examples of common prefixes and suffixes in tech vocabulary.
Prefixes
- e-: This prefix stands for “electronic.” It is used in terms like:
- email: Electronic mail or messages sent via the internet.
- e-commerce: Buying and selling goods or services online.
- e-learning: Online learning or educational programs.
- cyber-: This prefix relates to anything digital or virtual.
- cybersecurity: Protecting computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access or attacks.
- cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment using electronic communication tools.
- geo-: Refers to “earth” or “location.”
- geotagging: Adding geographic information to digital photos or data, helping identify the location where the picture was taken.
- geolocation: Determining the location of a device or user using GPS or other technology.
- bio-: Relates to “life.”
- biometrics: Technology that uses unique physical characteristics like fingerprints or facial features to identify individuals (e.g., unlocking a phone with a fingerprint).
Suffixes
- -ware: Refers to physical or digital products.
- hardware: The physical components of a computer or tech system, like a hard drive, keyboard, or motherboard.
- software: The digital programs and applications that run on computers or devices (e.g., word processors, operating systems).
- malware: Malicious software designed to harm or exploit computer systems.
- -graphy: The study or field of something.
- cartography: The science of making maps, often using digital technology.
- -logist: A specialist in a specific field.
- biologist: A scientist who studies living organisms.
- geologist: A scientist who studies the Earth’s structure and composition.
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Assignment: Understanding Technology Prefixes and Suffixes
This assignment will help you learn and use common prefixes and suffixes related to technology in the workplace. Recognizing these word parts will improve your vocabulary and understanding of tech-related terms used in various jobs.
Instructions
- Review the following prefixes and suffixes:
- Prefixes: “e-” (electronic), “cyber-” (digital), “geo-” (earth/location), “bio-” (life).
- Suffixes: “-ware” (software/hardware), “-graphy” (study/field), “-logist” (specialist).
- Using these prefixes and suffixes, complete the following exercises:
- Prefix Exercises:
- Create sentences using at least three different “e-” prefix words (e.g., e-commerce, e-learning, e-mail).
- Explain the difference between “cybersecurity” and “cyberbullying.” Use both words in sentences.
- Suffix Exercises:
- Identify whether the word “software” or “hardware” applies to specific workplace technology in your job.
- Write a brief description of the role of a “biologist” and a “cartographer.” What is each responsible for?
- Complete the exercises and submit them to your instructor. Make sure your sentences are clear and explain how the prefix or suffix relates to the technology term.
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2.3 Grammar – Past Tense Review
Overview
The simple past tense is used to describe actions that were completed at a specific time in the past. This lesson will focus on forming and using the simple past tense with both regular and irregular verbs.
Key Concepts
- Simple Past Tense with Regular Verbs
- Form: Regular verbs in the past tense typically end in -ed.
- Usage: Used to describe actions that were completed in the past.
- Examples:
- I visited my grandparents last weekend.
- She studied for her exams yesterday.
- They played soccer in the park.
- Simple Past Tense with Irregular Verbs
- Irregular verbs do not follow the regular -ed pattern. Each irregular verb has its own unique past tense form.
- Examples:
- go → went
- have → had
- see → saw
- Examples in sentences:
- We went to the park yesterday.
- He had a lot of homework last night.
- She saw a movie on Saturday.
Practice Exercises
- Regular Verbs:
- Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
- I _______ (visit) my friend last week.
- She _______ (study) all night for the test.
- They _______ (play) tennis on Sunday.
- Irregular Verbs:
- Fill in the blanks with the correct past tense form of the verb.
- He _______ (see) the movie already.
- We _______ (have) a great time at the party.
- She _______ (go) to the market yesterday.
- Mixed Regular and Irregular Verbs:
- Complete the sentences using the correct past tense form of the verb in parentheses.
- I _______ (watch) a documentary last night.
- They _______ (buy) a new car last month.
- She _______ (cook) dinner for her family.
Writing Practice
Write a short paragraph about your weekend using at least three different regular and irregular past tense verbs.
Example: Last weekend, I visited my grandparents. I had not seen them in a long time, so it was a happy reunion. We went for a walk in the park, and later, we watched a movie together.
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2.4 What Will the Future Office Look Like?
Watch the video about how the federal government is looking to redesign offices to make them more appealing to workers. Then, answer the questions.
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/embed/player/0/7277905.html?type=video
Listening Activity Questions
- What major change has occurred in the workplace since the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Why might someone prefer to work in the office rather than from home?
- What could make the office a more appealing place to work?
- What are some benefits of having additional services like childcare in the office?
- How does the design of the office impact worker productivity according to the article?
Read the article again: What Will the Future Office Look Like?
Reading Activity Questions
- What specific percentage of people worked from home at least one day a week in 2022, as reported by McKinsey & Company?
- What does Ryan Luby suggest about the necessity of engaging with others when in the office?
- What does Aditya Sanghvi imply about the integration of video communication in the office?
- Can you list the specific services mentioned that might support workers’ personal responsibilities at the office?
- What role does the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) play in redefining the office space?
- Describe the environment and features of the Workplace Innovation Lab as mentioned in the article.
- What feedback mechanism is integrated into the use of the Workplace Innovation Lab?
- Based on Chuck Hardy’s comments, what three qualities must the office of the future possess, and why are they important?
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2.5 Navigating the Digital World – Basic Internet Searching
Understanding how to effectively navigate the vast landscape of the internet stands at the core of our learning journey.
In this assignment, you will learn the fundamentals of using a search engine, a tool akin to an index in a book but for the internet. This digital index allows us to sift through billions of web pages to find the information we seek. You’ll explore different search engines like Bing, Google, and Yahoo!, understanding that each has its unique way of organizing information.
Activity
What is a search engine?
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2.6 Writing Lesson: Using Comparison and Contrast
Objective: Learn to use comparison and contrast in writing to examine differences and similarities between two topics using appropriate transitional phrases.
Introduction: Comparing and contrasting are techniques often used to present information more clearly and effectively. By comparing, you are showing the similarities, and by contrasting, you are highlighting the differences.
Key Concepts:
- Comparison – Shows how two or more things are similar. Helps in clarifying relationships and making new connections.
- Contrast – Shows how two or more things are different. Useful for emphasizing distinct characteristics.
Transitional Words and Phrases: These are used to provide a smooth transition between ideas in your writing, making it easier for the reader to understand your points on how two things are either similar or different.
- Comparison Words: alike, similarly, just like, both, neither, too, as well as
- Contrast Words: however, but, on the other hand, unlike, while, on the contrary, differs from, whereas
Examples:
- Comparison: “Both remote and in-office work require effective communication tools like email and messaging apps.”
- Contrast: “Unlike in-office work, which often uses formal meetings, remote work frequently relies on video calls for team interactions.”
Activity: Identifying Comparison and Contrast
- Read the sentences below and identify if they use comparison or contrast:
- “Remote work allows for a flexible schedule, whereas in-office work typically has fixed hours.”
- “Just like in-office environments, remote workplaces use digital platforms to manage projects.”
- “While remote work offers more personal space, in-office work often provides better opportunities for team collaboration.”
Practice: Write two sentences: one using a comparison and one using a contrast. Example topics could be two different sports, types of music, or even animals.
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2.7 Google Slides Presentation on Technology in Personal Life
Introduction to This Week’s Task:
This week, you’ll continue to develop your Google Slides presentation that reflects on the role of technology in your personal life. Building on the introductory slide you created last week, your next task is to explore how technology aids in communication, specifically focusing on how you stay connected with friends and family back home.
Focus of This Week’s Slide:
Your task for this week is to create a slide that details the technologies you use to communicate with people who are not physically close to you. This might include social media, messaging apps, video calling services, or any other digital tools.
Instructions:
- Select the Technologies:
- Choose the communication technologies you regularly use to stay connected with your loved ones.
- Think about the pros and cons of these technologies and how they have impacted your relationships.
- Create Your Slide:
- Begin with a compelling title that reflects the theme of the slide, such as “Staying Connected Across the Miles.”
- List the technologies you use, and provide a short description of each, noting why it is effective for your needs.
- Visual Enhancement:
- Use visuals like icons or photos that represent each technology.
- Ensure all visuals are relevant and add value to the information presented.
- Review and Feedback:
- Proofread your slide for clarity and grammatical accuracy.
- Share your slide with a peer for feedback to refine your presentation.
Example Slide Content:
- Title: Staying Connected Across the Miles
- Content:
- WhatsApp: I use WhatsApp to send daily messages and share photos with my family back in Brazil. It’s helpful because it’s free and works well on both phones and computers.
- Zoom: For weekly video calls with my grandparents, Zoom has been invaluable. It allows us to see each other and feel closer despite the distance.
- Instagram: I share updates about my life in Canada with friends back home through Instagram stories, which keeps our connection lively and engaging.
- Visuals: Screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation, a family video call on Zoom, and an Instagram story.
- Reflection: These tools have made it easier to maintain strong relationships with my loved ones, making the distance feel shorter.
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