Week 22 · Theme 3, Lesson 8 Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication · 3 lessons
2
Which tool fits this situation?
ICT P4 Term 2, Theme 3: pp. 38–41
GoalSort everyday situations into live and later, and choose a tool for each.
New words
situation · something that happens and needs a decisionvoice call · a live talk by voice on a phoneemail · a written message the reader opens laterreason · why we made a choice
Explanation
Choosing a tool means asking three questions. Is it urgent? Do I know the person well? Does the answer need thought? If it is urgent, or the person is close and the matter is small, choose a live tool such as a voice call or a video call. If the matter is important but not urgent, or it is sensitive or complicated, choose a tool for later, such as an email or a written message. Then explain your reason in one sentence. Remember: children use these tools with a family member or a teacher nearby, and only talk to people they know.
Worked examples
Youssef’s father must know now that the class trip will be back late. It is urgent, so we choose a voice call.
Nour wants to explain to a teacher she hardly knows why she missed a lesson. It is not urgent and a bit sensitive, so she writes a polite message with a grown-up’s help.
Hana’s mother is at the market and Hana wants to tell her which fruit the family likes. It is a quick answer to a close family member, so she calls.
Class activity
Situation race. Draw a table with three columns: Situation, Live or later, Reason. Fill it in for these situations: (1) telling a friend you will be late right now; (2) asking for advice about a hard project from a teacher you do not know well; (3) asking your cousin whether you will play tomorrow; (4) explaining a long idea in careful words; (5) thanking a librarian. Compare your answers with a partner’s.
Practice
1
Write the three questions that help you choose a tool.
Is it urgent? Do I know the person well? Does the answer need thought?
2
A child must tell a family member right now that the bus will leave early. Live or later?
Live, because it is urgent.
3
A child wants to explain a hard problem in the project to a teacher, in careful words. Live or later? Why?
Later, because it is complex and needs time to think.
4
Which two tools are live? Say the letters.
A and C: the voice call and the video call. B (email) is for later.
