Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The use of digital technology to communicate, including: common software packages, e.g. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe® Acrobat Pro, email, collaboration software, e.g. Microsoft Teams and Miro, video conferencing.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how digital tools support communication in design projects.
  • Compare the purposes of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Acrobat, email, Teams, Miro and video conferencing.
  • Apply appropriate software to create a brief, cost spreadsheet, presentation and PDF for a design task.
  • Demonstrate collaborative workflows using Teams and Miro, including version control and commenting.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of chosen tools for a given communication need.
Materials Needed:
  • Classroom computer with internet access for each student.
  • Projector and screen.
  • Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat Pro installed.
  • Access to Microsoft Teams and Miro accounts.
  • Sample design brief and data set (printed or digital).
  • Worksheets for tool comparison and reflection.
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: which digital tool do you reach for first when sharing a design idea? Review how clear communication underpins successful projects and outline today’s success criteria: students will select, use and justify the most suitable digital tool for a given design communication task.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list tools they have used and one advantage of each.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of the eight tools and their primary functions (slide).
  3. Guided practice (15’) – In pairs, create a project brief in Word, embed an Excel cost table, export to PDF.
  4. Collaborative sprint (20’) – Set up a Teams channel; groups use Miro to brainstorm, assign tasks, and document decisions in Teams chat.
  5. Presentation rehearsal (10’) – Each group builds a 3‑slide PowerPoint and presents via Zoom/Teams; peers give feedback using Acrobat comments.
  6. Reflection & checklist (5’) – Students complete a checklist comparing tool suitability and record reflections.
  7. Exit ticket (5’) – Write one tool you would choose for a future design report and why.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each tool fits a specific communication need and highlight the importance of consistent naming and version control. Students complete an exit ticket and are assigned to produce a full design communication package for homework, using the tools practiced today.