Career Prospects and Opportunities in Technology

Subject: Basic Technology
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 12-15 years
Topic: Career Prospects and Opportunities in Technology
Sub-topic: Understanding Career Definitions and Opportunities
Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define career, prospect, and career prospects.
2. Identify five career opportunities in technology.
3. Explain the importance of technology in career development.
4. Discuss how technology shapes future job markets.

Keywords

• Career
• Prospect
• Career Opportunities
• Technology
• Digital Skills

Set Induction

Begin with a short video clip showcasing different technological careers, such as software development, robotics, and digital media. This will grab students’ attention and spark interest in the lesson.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic understanding of what a career means and some familiarity with technology.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector for video clip
• Printed handouts with definitions and examples
• Reference books (e.g., Lagos State Scheme of Work)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss previous topics related to technology, such as types of technology and their uses in everyday life. This helps students connect their existing knowledge to the new topic.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Digital literacy

Learning Materials

• Projector
• Videos
• Handouts with definitions and examples
• Infographics of career paths in technology

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Basic Technology Curriculum for JSS
• Careers in Technology (Resource Book)

Instructional Materials

• Infographic showing technology careers
• Flashcards with career names and descriptions

Content

Definitions and Explanations

1. Career: A career is a person’s chosen path of work, often requiring specific training and education.
2. Prospect: A prospect is the potential for future success in a career.
3. Career Prospects: Career prospects refer to the opportunities for advancement and success in a specific field.

Examples of Career Opportunities in Technology

1. Software Developer: Designs and creates computer programs and applications.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst: Protects computer systems from security breaches and attacks.
3. Data Scientist: Analyzes and interprets complex data to help organizations make informed decisions.
4. Web Designer: Creates and designs websites to ensure they are user-friendly and visually appealing.
5. Robotics Technician: Works with robots and automated systems in various industries.

Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)

1. A __________ is a person’s chosen path of work. (a) career (b) job (c) task (d) hobby
2. The term __________ refers to the potential for future success. (a) goal (b) prospect (c) chance (d) opportunity
3. Career __________ indicate the opportunities for growth in a profession. (a) paths (b) prospects (c) choices (d) options
4. A __________ helps protect computer systems from attacks. (a) software developer (b) cybersecurity analyst (c) web designer (d) data scientist
5. __________ is an example of a field that relies on technology. (a) Medicine (b) Construction (c) Robotics (d) Agriculture
6. A person who analyzes data is called a __________. (a) technician (b) developer (c) data scientist (d) designer
7. __________ careers often involve coding and programming skills. (a) Healthcare (b) Technology (c) Business (d) Education
8. Web designers create __________ for companies. (a) reports (b) websites (c) software (d) robots
9. Robotics technicians work with __________. (a) computers (b) people (c) machines (d) plants
10. Technology careers are important because they lead to __________ job opportunities. (a) fewer (b) limited (c) more (d) none
11. The ability to work with technology is called __________. (a) skill (b) expertise (c) literacy (d) knowledge
12. A software developer is often involved in __________ new applications. (a) destroying (b) creating (c) analyzing (d) promoting
13. __________ analysts help companies keep their data safe. (a) Data (b) Cybersecurity (c) Web (d) IT
14. Career prospects can be affected by __________ trends in technology. (a) outdated (b) future (c) current (d) past
15. Having digital skills can enhance your __________ in the job market. (a) disadvantages (b) opportunities (c) limitations (d) weaknesses

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. What is a career?
   A career is a long-term profession or job that requires special training.
2. Why is technology important for careers?
   Technology is crucial because it creates new jobs and improves existing ones.
3. Can I work in technology without a degree?
   Yes, many technology jobs value skills and experience over formal education.
4. What skills are needed for a career in technology?
   Skills like coding, problem-solving, and communication are essential.
5. Are there opportunities in technology in Nigeria?
   Yes, Nigeria has a growing tech industry with many career opportunities.
6. What is a software developer?
   A software developer creates applications and programs for computers and devices.
7. How do I start a career in technology?
   Begin by learning relevant skills, such as programming or data analysis.
8. What is cybersecurity?
   Cybersecurity involves protecting computers and networks from attacks.
9. What does a data scientist do?
   A data scientist analyzes data to help businesses make better decisions.
10. Is robotics a good career choice?
    Yes, robotics is an exciting field with many future job opportunities.
11. What are the benefits of working in technology?
    Benefits include high salaries, job stability, and the chance to innovate.
12. Do I need to be good at math for tech jobs?
    Yes, math skills are often important in many technology-related careers.
13. Can technology careers be done remotely?
    Many technology jobs allow for remote work, especially in IT and software.
14. What is a web designer?
    A web designer creates and maintains websites to ensure they are effective.
15. Why are digital skills essential today?
    Digital skills are crucial as many jobs now require technology use.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Revise the previous topic, discussing types of technology and their applications.
2. Introduce the new topic by showing the video and defining key concepts.
3. Encourage student contributions, providing corrections and guidance as needed.

Learners’ Activities

1. Participate in discussions about career prospects in technology.
2. Work in groups to research a specific technology career and prepare a short presentation.
3. Complete the fill-in-the-blank questions and FAQs.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define the term “career” in your own words.
2. What is the importance of having technology skills today?
3. List three careers in technology and explain what they do.
4. Why might someone choose a career in cybersecurity?
5. Describe how technology has changed job opportunities in Nigeria.
6. What does a data scientist do, and why is it important?
7. How can students prepare for a career in technology while in school?
8. What skills are necessary for a software developer?
9. Explain the difference between a web designer and a software developer.
10. Discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence on future jobs.

Conclusion

The teacher will walk around the classroom, marking students’ work and providing feedback on their understanding of the topic. This will help identify areas that need further clarification.

More Useful Links

• Different Careers and Their Roles Vocational Aptitude Primary 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Understanding Computers: Career Paths, Shortcuts, Networks, and Applications For Primary 6
• Exploring Careers in the Capital Market Business Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8