Can you believe the amazing innovations that keep popping up in the world of technology? I was absolutely floored when I discovered Smart Rings – a mind-blowing innovation that allows people to monitor their health simply by wearing a sleek and stylish piece of jewellery. This inspired me to create a wearable technology B2 lesson to share with your students. Bring this fascinating topic into your classroom and explore the importance and impact of these futuristic accessories together.
I unexpectedly found inspiration for this lesson plan while preparing a B2 Bite-Sized lesson on using active and passive voice. While searching for an article with a passive voice, I came across an interesting title – Samsung becomes first tech giant to launch a smart ring by BBC. I seized the opportunity and immediately developed a B2-level reading lesson plan on wearable technology.
This topic is so interesting that it shouldn’t be overlooked! As I like to keep my lesson plans up-to-date, I figured we could discuss the importance of wearable technology instead of just focusing on the smart ring itself. You can download the presentation, worksheet, and teacher’s notes at the end of this post.
Warmer: Introducing Wearable Technology
To engage the students, I began the class by discussing wearable technology, like VR and smartwatches, and asking about their experiences with these devices. This was a way to introduce the topic and gauge how many students view wearable technology as useful and essential rather than just a passing trend.
Reading for Gist: Predicting the title
Then, display the actual article title and ask students to consider the missing word: Samsung becomes the first tech giant to launch a smart _________. Next, read an adapted version of the article. Instead of presenting the original article, I modified it using ChatGPT. I then removed six sentences from it, which are used later in the class to teach new vocabulary. Some students might be interested in discussing the trending topic of smart rings at this point, but ask them to wait a bit as there is a discussion on this later in the class.
Vocabulary: Matching and Context Practice
With the help of ChatGPT, I identified the six most complex words. First, students look at the words and match them to their definitions. The words are ecosystem, enthusiast, indicator, intrusive, niche, and predict. Afterwards, students fill in the gaps with the new vocabulary. These six sentences are directly taken from the article. This leads to the part where students need to read in detail, placing the sentences from the previous exercise into the article.
Reading for Detail: Checking Understanding
Before concluding the lesson, assess understanding by answering five questions about the article. This will help students confirm their comprehension and allow you to identify any additional words that may require further explanation.
Group Discussion: Debating the Smart Ring
Now, discuss the innovation as a group. Have the students decide whether they are interested in using a smart ring and explain their feelings about it. They should also think about the features they would find most useful in this wearable device. To finish off, talk about the future of wearable technology.
Extension: Inventing New Technology
If you have extra time, consider concluding this lesson by dividing students into smaller groups or pairs. Ask them to brainstorm a new piece of wearable technology, similar to the one discussed in class. Encourage students to consider the benefits of the technology and why people would be interested in using it.
I find this invention really intriguing! I’m not sure if I want to try it, but it does raise some interesting points for the classroom. If your students are into technology, you can click the links below to access the presentation and the worksheet.
Do you believe smart rings will take off in popularity? Are you considering getting one for yourself?
