Dial it Up

There’s the perception that young people are much better at technology than their parents/adults. But when it comes to old technology that is clearly not the case.

Introduce examples of analogue technologies that have been replaced by digital technologies.

Activity: Rotary Phone Challenge

This activity is based around problem solving, and using old technology that was second nature to some but is a step into the dark age for others.

Participants will be asked to do a timed task. They will have a 5 minute maximum limit to complete the task successfully.

• Break into groups of 2.
• Each group will be given a rotary phone to use and a different number to dial.
• The first group to dial the number and connect the call within the time limit will be the winner.

Variations on the activity

This activity can be adapted to work with any analogue technology that has been replaced with digital technology.

Some examples:

• Source a portable stereo with FM radio and cassette deck. Challenge young people to create a mix tape of their favourite songs from a radio show using a cassette tape.
• Source a VHS tape, VCR and camcorder. Challenge young people to edit the video.

Wrap up the session.

Connect the session back to the theory part of the chapter.
Ask to group if they can suggest other analogue techniques that have been replaced by digital? Reflect on this activity and how it develops critical thinking and problem solving skills.