In July, a big problem happened with computer software for airlines around the world. This affected 8.5 million computers, making it hard for people like Anthony Bosman to use digital boarding passes. Because of this, people had to use pen and paper instead. This showed how important it is to have backup plans when technology fails.
A company in Norway called Norsk Hydro had a similar problem in 2019. They were attacked by a virus that stopped their computers from working. To keep things going, they used printed instructions and old methods. This taught them that having paper copies and backup plans is very important.
Experts say it's important to be ready for computer problems by practicing using pen and paper. While this might not work for big companies all the time, it can help during emergencies. Companies should train their workers to do tasks without computers using tools like flipcharts. By doing this, businesses can be better prepared for problems with technology.
Original news source: How pen and paper comes to the rescue in an IT crisis (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Charades
Instructions: Choose key words from the article (e.g. computer software, digital boarding passes, virus attack) and have students act them out without speaking while the others guess what they are representing.
– News Summary
Instructions: Divide students into pairs. Each pair should take turns summarizing the main points of the article to their partner in their own words. Encourage them to include details like the airline software issue, Norsk Hydro's experience, and the importance of backup plans.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper. Have students take turns choosing a word and drawing it on the board while the rest of the class tries to guess what the word is. This activity can help reinforce vocabulary retention.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of questions related to the article, such as "Do you think companies should always have paper backup plans for technology failures?" Have students walk around the class and ask their classmates these questions, then report back on the different opinions they gathered.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In groups, have students discuss and make predictions about how technology and backup plans will evolve in the future based on the lessons learned from the article. They can present their ideas to the class and discuss the likelihood of their predictions coming true.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The computer software for airlines around the world had a big problem in July.
The computer software problem made it hard for people like Anthony Bosman to use digital boarding passes.
People had to use pen and paper instead of digital boarding passes.
Norsk Hydro was attacked by a virus that stopped their computers from working in 2019.
Norsk Hydro used printed instructions and old methods to keep things going when their computers stopped working.
Experts say it's important to practice using pen and paper for computer problems so that people can still do tasks when technology fails.
Companies can prepare for technology problems by training their workers to do tasks without computers using tools like flipcharts.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In July, a big problem happened with computer software for airlines around the world. This affected 8.5 million , it hard for people like Anthony Bosman to use digital boarding . Because of this, people had to use pen and paper instead. This how it is to have backup plans when technology fails. A company in Norway called Norsk Hydro had a similar in 2019. They were attacked by a virus that stopped their computers from working. To keep things going, they used printed instructions and old methods. This taught them that having paper and backup plans is very important. Experts say it's important to be for problems by practicing using pen and paper. While this might not work for big all the time, it can help during emergencies. Companies should train their workers to do tasks without computers using tools like flipcharts. By doing this, can be better prepared for with technology.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is a digital boarding pass?
2. How would you feel if you couldn't use your computer for a whole day?
3. Do you like using pen and paper instead of a computer? Why or why not?
4. What do you think about having backup plans in case technology fails?
5. Do you think it's important for companies to train their workers to do tasks without computers? Why or why not?
6. How would you handle a situation where your computer stopped working?
7. What are some ways you can prepare for computer problems?
8. Do you think it's a good idea to practice using pen and paper in case of emergencies? Why or why not?
9. Have you ever had a situation where technology failed you? How did you handle it?
10. Why do you think businesses should have backup plans for technology failures?
11. What are some old methods people used before computers were invented?
12. How do you think using tools like flipcharts can help businesses be better prepared for technology problems?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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