i-Diots

I got this EFL lesson plan using a short film. Will be a such interesting class though. (http://film-english.com/2013/11/28/i-diots/)

i-Diots
Posted on November 28, 2013 by kierandonaghy

idiots

This EFL lesson plan is designed around a short film called iDiots by special effects company BLR_VFX and the themes of technology, mass consumption and instant gratification. Students speak about mobile phones and technology, watch a short film and do a dictation.

Language level: Pre-intermediate (A2) – Intermediate (B1)

Learner type: Teens and adults

Time: 60 minutes

Activity: Speaking about mobile phones and technology, watching a short film and dictation

Topic: Addiction to technology, mass consumption and instant gratification

Language: Both, neither, none, all of, and vocabulary related to mobile phones

Materials: Short film

Downloadable materials: i-Diots lesson instructions

Step 1

Tell students you would like them to think about what they use their mobile phones for. Give some examples such as:

I use my mobile phone to send messages.

I use my mobile phone as a camera.

Pair students and ask them to tell their partner what they use their mobile phones for.

Step 2

When students are ready get feedback from each pair and ask them to provide sentences such as:

Both of us use our mobiles to take pictures.

Neither of us use our mobiles as a calculator.

Step 3

Now ask students to say what the whole class have in common. Write up some sentences such as:

We all use mobiles to send messages.

Most of us use mobiles to take pictures.

Nearly all of us use the mobile to watch videos.

Step 4

Tell students they are going to watch the first part of a short film in which they will see different uses of mobile phones. As they watch they should look out for different uses. Show the film and pause at 01:48.

Step 5

Go through the uses students noticed. They will probably mention to send messages, to take photos, to play games, to watch cat video, to like videos, and to use apps.

Step 6

Tell students that they are going to watch the rest of the film and that they should think about the film’s message. Show the rest of the film.

Step 7

Put students into small groups and ask them to discuss what they think the film’s message is.

Step 8

When students are ready hold a plenary discussion on the message of the film.

Students may well say that the film is a portrait of addiction to technology, mass consumption and instant gratification, showing a series of situations describing how people fall into patterned, superficial behaviour through the use of technology.

Step 9

Dictate the following questions to students:

1. Is the brand of your mobile phone important to you?

2. Do you think you’re addicted to new technology and gadgets?

3. Do you know anyone who’s addicted to technology?

4. Do you think we rely too much on technology in our everyday lives now?

Step 10

Get students to compare their questions and then put them into pairs and ask them to discuss the questions.

Step 11

Hold a plenary discussion on the questions.

I hope you enjoy the lesson.

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